The Ministry of Works and Transport has embarked on a study to assess the urban transport system in downtown Kampala in preparation for introduction of Rapid Bus Transport system (BRT), a high quality bus-based transit system that delivers fast, comfortable and cost-effective transport services to the city.
According to information released on the official online twitter account for the Ministry, a study to assess and pave way for BRT has kicked off. The study is meant to inform reforms in the existing transport plan, in preparations for BRT implementation.
BRT is by far the most effective City transportation system that can tackle traffic jams, road congestion, accidents and air pollution. It has been successfully implemented in cities like Lagos, Dar es Salaam, Addis Ababa and others.
BRT system involves provision of high speed but cost-effective buses with capacity to carry a huge number of people. With implementation of this transport system, Kampala will be the fifth African City to implement Rapid Bus Transit (BRT) Transport system after Lagos, Johannesburg, Dar es Salaam and Addis Ababa.
The BRT was proposed in the National Transport Master Plan (NTMP) for Greater Metropolitan Kampala Area (GKMPA) 10 years ago, expected to be implemented between 2009 and 2023 to address numerous transport challenges in Kampala City. In this plan, BRT envisions provision of speedy buses with capacity to carry up to 150 passengers.
This according to the implementer will reduce traffic on roads, which will in turn reduce costs of road maintenance and save public funds. With narrow roads and undisciplined motorists, transport remains an issue as taxis, private cars and boda-bodas continue to be the main modes of transport around Kampala City.
