Panorama
Kigali — ECOFLEET, the company responsible for public transport in Kigali, is testing digital bus arrival boards that could eventually be installed at every bus station in the capital, helping commuters access real-time travel information and plan their journeys more easily.
The boards display estimated bus arrival times, expected waiting periods and route information. Commuters can also use a dedicated application to access transport information and plan their trips.
The system is currently being tested as a pilot project, with the aim of assessing its performance before wider implementation across Kigali’s bus stations.
If implemented citywide, the system would give commuters access to bus arrival information at stations throughout the capital, reducing uncertainty about waiting times and helping passengers organise their daily travel.
Digital technology for commuters
The boards are designed to provide passengers with information about when buses are expected to arrive and which routes they serve. This could help people travelling to work, school and other destinations manage their time more effectively and make informed decisions about their journeys.
However, the usefulness of the system will depend on the accuracy of arrival estimates, reliable technology and regular updates to route information.
Part of wider transport improvements
The initiative comes amid broader efforts to improve public transport in Kigali, including sheltered bus stops with amenities such as free Wi-Fi and dedicated breastfeeding spaces, dedicated bus lanes and scheduled bus operating hours.
These measures aim to improve passenger comfort, support more efficient bus operations and make commuting more predictable. Real-time arrival information could complement these improvements by giving passengers better visibility of bus services before they travel.
Pilot phase to guide expansion
The current trial will help assess the system’s reliability and usefulness before a possible expansion to every bus station in Kigali.
Important considerations include the accuracy of arrival predictions, system maintenance, passenger feedback and the availability of updated information across different routes.
A citywide rollout would require reliable technical support to ensure that the boards continue to provide useful information to commuters. For Kigali residents, the proposed expansion could make it easier to plan journeys and reduce uncertainty while waiting for public transport.
The initiative represents a step towards more digitally connected urban transport, although the timing and scale of the wider rollout will depend on the pilot’s results and the implementation plans of the responsible parties.