Bus drivers in Kigali decry over working


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Bus Drivers in Rwanda say they sometimes work 19-hour shifts per day, which can be dangerous for both their own health and pose risks to the safety of their passengers and other road users.

The drivers start their day early, reaching the bus park at 5 am to pick up their first passengers of the day.

Evode Rwamakuba, a bus driver told RBA that; "We arrive at the bus at 5 am and my day usually ends at 9 pm, but it depends on whether or not there are still people to carry. We cannot stop before everyone has reached their destination,"

Drivers like Evode Rwamakuba travel at speeds of between 40 and 60km/h along the Kimironko - Nyabugogo Road in Kigali City and he goes back and forth an average of 15 times a day, carrying a total of between 1,200 and 1,500 passengers before his shift is over.

At Midday, he is allowed a 10 min break for lunch and he works 2 days on; 2 days off.

This is basically the life drivers in Rwanda lead, but their schedules may alter depending on what Companies they work for.

Passengers say service delivery in the public transportation sector has vastly improved, but problems still exist.

Officials at the Rwanda Federation of Transport Cooperatives say new reforms are going to be implemented to improve both the lives of drivers and the service they deliver to their passengers.

Innocent Twahirwa, RFTC Managing Director said; "A driver will now work shifts of 7.5 hours and rest. Because a bus works from 5 am to 11 pm, it requires that 2 or 3 drivers work per bus every day,�

He added, �The objective is to let the drivers rest. Next, we want their salaries to increase and for them to have medical insurance; depending on the rates the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority RURA gives us, one that is competent; such that we too can meet all of our driver’s needs."

Evode Rwamakuba has been driving buses for the past 12 years and he says he looks forward to the reforms being implemented, same as other drivers. He also says drivers need training and RURA officials say such training is soon to be carried out.

Asaba E. Katabarwa, head of RURA Transport Department said; "After the training, we will ensure that they have work contracts that specify their work hours and how they are paid. We want them to have stable salaries that are paid through Bank Accounts so that they can access loans and that goes in line with getting them insurance,"

2019 saw 4,661 accidents take place in Rwanda, compared to 5,611 in 2018; a drop of 17%. 223 pedestrians died, 184 Motorcyclists and 130 Cyclists. A total of 537 people died of road accidents last year. Fatal accidents reduced by 42%.

The country has 3,000 bus drivers, with half part of the Rwanda Federation of Transport Cooperatives.



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