Transport
on Geri Skeen (Rwanda), 28/Mar/2011 08:40, 34 days ago
I have now tried out several modes of transport in Rwanda. The buses vary from cramped mini-buses to more comfortable buses a bit like a scaled-down coach. Buses have fold-down seats in the aisles to accommodate extra passengers. Some leave to a schedule, and are usually on time e.g. there are buses to Kigali from Gitarama leaving every 15 minutes. I’d say the service is considerably more punctual than in the UK and the cost is only 900 (90p) for the one hour journey. Some buses wait until full before setting off– this can take up to two hours.Motos are motorbike taxis. Some are licensed, in which case the driver wears his licence number on a vest. (I say‘his’; I have seen hundreds of moto drivers and all male, though a friend of a friend had a lift with a female moto driver in Kigali.) In Kigali you must negotiate the price before starting the journey but in Gitarama it’s always 200 (20p) in the town or 300 if you are going just outside. Drivers carry a spare helmet (If going on a longer journey, maybe 45 minutes along a dirt road to visit a school, VSO volunteers will use the helmet they brought from the UK) The helmets look as if they’ve seen quite a bit of mileage and would fit the head of a giant. The first time I put one on, I tried to adjust the strap, with the aid of the driver. The second one I used had the strap knotted so no adjustment was possible. If you say‘Genda buhoro buhoro’, the driver will oblige by driving slowly. It is impolite to put your arms round the driver’s waist so balance is of the essence once you come off the tar road onto dirt roads.Moto drivers do not limit themselves to one passenger: I have seen one transporting two children, one in front of him and the other behind, neither wearing helmets. I also saw one balancing his passenger’s large suitcase on his handlebars before setting off. Transporting a passenger while wedging a large gas canister between the driver’s legs is another favourite. You see, people who would normally walk will pay the cost of a moto if it means getting home their sack of animal feed or whatever.Bicycle taxis. Some places you are more likely to find a bicycle taxi. I have used them along the dirt road from Kabgayi to Shyogwe. It’s 2.5km and costs 200 (20p). I feel rather lazy but do it if rain is threatening and I want to get to my destination before a deluge.