RWANDA – Kenya-based electric bus supplier BasiGo, has announced the official start of passenger pilot operations in Kigali.
In a LinkedIn post, the startup says bus operators starting with Royal, Kigali Bus Service, and Volcano amongst others will participate in the passenger operations.
“Our first electric buses will ply routes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 between; Remera, Nyabugogo, Kicukiro, Nyanza, Rwandex, Busanza, SonaTube, Kabuga, Kanombe and Kabuga,” notes the post.
According to the company, each bus is equipped with Tap-and-Go fare collection systems, making it easy for anyone in Kigali to catch a ride.
“We are excited to offer commuters on these routes a revolutionary bus experience: silent, comfortable, and emissions-free,” reads the post.
This pilot phase marks a significant shift in Rwanda’s public transport ecosystem. And it is just the beginning.
The startup announced plans to put 200 electric buses on Rwandan roads by the end of 2025 backed by a US$1.5 million USAID grant.
“We especially want to thank our partners AC Group Rwanda, USAID, EU SOLUTIONSplus (Urban Living Lab Center) and City of Kigali whose support has helped make this possible!” noted the post.
This funding initiative comes against the backdrop of Rwanda grappling with rapid urbanization challenges, which have put a strain on its public transportation network.
USAID underscores the necessity for a contemporary mobility infrastructure to accommodate the burgeoning urban population in Africa, projected to surge to over 1.3 billion by 2050.
USAID’s financial injection is expected to enable BasiGo to replicate its successful Kenyan leasing model with prominent bus companies in Kigali.
Kigali, where approximately 300-400 diesel buses serve around 120,000 passengers daily, is experiencing a pressing demand for 700 buses.
Recently, BasiGo announced that its fleet of buses has traversed an impressive 1 million kilometers since its inception in March 2022.
The CEO, Jit Bhattacharya, shared this milestone on LinkedIn, revealing that these e-buses have transported over 1.2 million passengers, slashed CO2 emissions by 500 tonnes, and averted the combustion of 190,000 liters of diesel – all achieved with just 19 buses on the roads.
BasiGo ventured into the electric bus domain with a vision to revolutionize public transportation, aspiring to offer efficient, eco-friendly, and economically viable solutions.
The company has diligently focused on pioneering technology and innovative designs to cater to the dynamic needs of the industry.
This achievement of BasiGo’s electric buses hitting the 1 million-kilometer mark stands as a testament to their unwavering dedication to sustainable transportation.
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