The pilot program officially began on Monday, May 18, 2026, operating along the route from Kanombe to downtown Kigali: Kigali International Airport–Chez Lando–Gishushu–KABC–Park Inn–Urban by CityBlue–BPR–Serena Hotel.
Special buses have been deployed on this route to transport passengers traveling to and from Kigali International Airport, particularly those heading to various hotels. The buses are fully electric, running on 100% electric power.
Ecofleet’s Communications and Public Relations Officer, Havugimana Aldo, explained that the buses will operate according to flight schedules.
This means that a passenger staying at a hotel and heading to the airport will be picked up based on the departure time of their flight and transported directly to Kigali International Airport.
Currently, the company is testing whether the buses can reliably match passengers’ flight schedules once the service is fully launched.
Regarding fares, Havugimana told IGIHE that pricing is still under review and will be announced after the pilot phase is completed.
He further explained that designated bus stop signs have already been installed along the route to assist passengers traveling from their homes to the airport. The buses will only serve passengers going to or coming from the airport.
“The buses will be boarded either at the airport or at the designated stops along the route. They are specifically for airport passengers and will have special pricing. Other passengers traveling along the same route will continue using the regular public buses operating between the city center, Kanombe, Remera, and Kabuga,” he said.
He also noted that the buses will not stop at the main bus terminal but will continuously circulate along the approved route and the airport area.
Ecofleet added that, just as travelers arriving at the airport usually take regular taxis or cars to their hotels, they will now have the option of using the buses, which are expected to reduce transportation costs.
The company clarified that existing airport transport services will not be removed. Instead, Ecofleet’s buses will provide travelers with additional transport options.
As Rwanda continues to position itself as a hub for conference tourism and international events, the buses are expected to improve the transportation of visitors in a faster and more environmentally friendly way.
The pilot comes as Rwanda hosts several major events, including the Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa, held from May 19–21, 2026.
The country is also hosting the finals of the Basketball Africa League Finals 2026 from May 22–31, 2026, marking the fifth time the tournament has been held in Rwanda.
