Uganda’s electric public transport drive is gaining fresh momentum as Kira Motors Ltd prepares to expand its E-Bus Xpress services to more major routes following the growing response to its Kampala-Ntinda operation.The electric buses recently introduced on the Kampala-Ntinda route are already attracting large numbers of passengers, providing commuters with a new transport option that is both affordable and powered by electricity rather than conventional fuel.
Passengers travelling between Kampala and Ntinda currently pay Shs1,500 for the E-Bus Xpress service, giving them a Shs500 saving compared to the Shs2,000 fare commonly charged by commuter taxis operating along the same corridor.The buses have also introduced cashless payments, with passengers able to pay their fares using mobile money, making the service more convenient and reducing reliance on physical cash.The growing popularity of the service was evident on Thursday evening when a news team travelled on one of the buses between Kampala and Ntinda and found it filled to capacity, reflecting the strong demand for alternative public transport in the city.
Kira Motors is now reportedly preparing to take the electric bus revolution to the Kampala-Entebbe route, one of the country’s busiest transport corridors, with deployment expected once the ongoing preparations are completed.The company is also in the final stages of plans to introduce the electric buses on the Kampala-Namugongo route, potentially extending the benefits of cheaper and cleaner public transport to thousands of daily commuters.The planned expansion is expected to further strengthen Uganda’s transition towards modern and environmentally friendly public transportation, as electric buses increasingly emerge as a viable alternative for urban commuters.
