All taxi-moto businesses in Kigali will be required to utilize smart meters beginning Friday, January 7.
Last December, the Rwanda Utility Regulatory Authority (RURA) approved the return of smart meters for commercial motorbike operators, beginning in Kigali.
The sole business with an exclusive license to provide the meters is Yego Innovision Ltd.
Aline Uwamahoro, the Strategy and Partnership Manager at Yego Innovision, claimed they are ready and have already installed close to 15,000 devices in an interview with The New Times on the preparations ahead of the formal debut.
After obtaining his meter and card from YEGO, a taxi moto operator holds them in his hand. The sole business with an exclusive license to provide the meters is Yego Innovision Ltd. Bahizi Bahizi Bahizi Bahizi Bahizi Bahizi Ba
“As the only surviving participant, we had to take over within two weeks and install for all taxi moto riders in need, and we were able to accomplish so despite some problems,” she said on Thursday. “So far, we’ve installed 14,265 riders who are ready to operate tomorrow.”
The goal number set by its stakeholders was 19,000; however, due to a variety of factors, including difficult-to-find owners, some operators’ arrears to the Rwanda Revenue Authority, and other challenges, they were unable to meet the deadline.
She did say, though, that they were prepared to install at least 600 devices every day to achieve the objective, but that the issue was with the riders’ failure to show up as scheduled.
According to Uwamahoro, there has been a significant rise in the last two days.
She noted that the installation would continue until all beneficiaries had been covered, but she predicted that the number would rise and told riders that they were prepared and ready to assist them at any moment.
Regarding preparations, Jean Pierre Mubiligi, the project coordinator at RURA, said that, as previously stated, they would implement it on a notified date and apply to all linked beneficiaries.
He did say, however, that they are aware that certain riders would not be able to get meters on time for valid and disclosed reasons, such as circumstances where it was difficult to connect with motor vehicle owners and others with appointments, among other things.
Mubiligi said that he is prepared to follow up and monitor the execution of this development with other stakeholders such as the City of Kigali and the Police.
RURA also encourages individuals (passengers and riders) to report any problems they may encounter, stating that they are willing to make adjustments if they are required in the public good.
“We need people to give us feedback so we can improve the system’s implementation, and all parties have committed to take action where it’s needed,” Mubiligi said.
He also said that moto riders sign a two-year contract with suppliers to pay for services and that, after two years, evaluations and tariff reviews would be conducted.
Passengers raise their voices.
Riders and passengers must be ready for meters since all Kigali-based riders will be unable to function without them.
Nancy Umutesi, an AUCA University student who rides a motorcycle often, told The New Times that she is willing to accept this technology again since negotiating may be difficult.
She went on to say that the costs are now comparable to the prior ones.
Enias Dushimirimana, a motorcycle rider who typically works in Gasabo District, said he is ready to take the road tomorrow with a meter if the customers cooperate.
“I’m all set for tomorrow… I have a functional device, but the problem will come from customers who may refuse to allow us to use meters; otherwise, we are prepared to work with it and report any issues that arise “he said
Another biker, Felix Niyonkuru, stated that he is aware of the necessary use of smart meters, but that he would not have one for the time being, for various reasons on the part of the owner, and that he has an appointment with the suppliers next week to fix it.
The first two kilometers have been reduced in price to Rwf300, with the balance of the voyage costing Rwf107 per kilometer.
However, the rate increases from Rwf107 to Rwf187 beyond 40 kilometers.
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