Rwanda Rolls Out Electric Mini-Buses in Sustainable Transport

Rwanda is revving towards greener public transportation with a new fleet of electric mini-buses. Local startup Go Green Transport launched a pilot this week featuring 10 e-buses serving busy routes in Kigali. It marks a milestone in Rwanda’s push for sustainable mobility.

The brightly painted buses have started ferrying commuters on various routes namely: Nyanza-Downtown, Remera-Downtown, and Downtown-Nyabugogo. Each bus can accommodate 23 passengers.

Go Green’s electric vehicles promise a smoother, quieter ride without tailpipe pollution. They align with the Rwandan government’s goal to transition public transit to clean energy. With transport causing nearly 40% of urban emissions here, electrification is key to sustainable development.

Go Green official said these first 10 e-buses will lay the groundwork for larger-scale service. The pilot phase will assess performance, efficiency and public reception. Routes may be added or adjusted based on demand.

The e-buses build on earlier electric vehicle initiatives in Rwanda like the landmark 2019 debut of electric motorbikes from Ampersand. But Go Green’s mini-buses now bring emission-free mobility to the public transit sphere.

Rwanda aims to completely phase out fossil fuel vehicles by 2050. The government has incentivized citizens and providers to switch to electric through initiatives like waived import duties. Go Green’s e-bus trial run ushers in a new era of clean, silent transportation for Rwandan communities.

Officials envision the buses driving growth in eco-tourism too. Visitors will get to experience Rwanda’s sustainability efforts firsthand aboard the comfortable, high-tech vehicles.

With the pilot underway, Rwanda is cruising closer to its net-zero emission goals. And commuters get to ride in affordable luxury while breathing cleaner air. It’s a win for people and the planet as Rwanda embraces the electric mobility revolution.