Long wait for city buses

May 20, 2009

When he was contesting for the Mayorship of Kampala city, one of his main promises was that he was going to introduce buses on the city’s roads.

BY JOSHUA KATO

When he was contesting for the Mayorship of Kampala city, one of his main promises was that he was going to introduce buses on the city’s roads.

He even launched the city bus service, using a double decker bus. “I am delivering as promised,” he said. The bus system was intended to replace the chaotic omni-bus taxi system.

As it turns out, some people are now certain the mayor of Kampala, Nasser Ntege Sebaggala, only used the buses as a campaign gimmick.

What became of the double deckers is unknown, but a few buses have been operating within and around the city. However, the effort is not sufficient since they number about 15.

The World Bank has therefore come in to finance a major public transportation system in the city. Studies are underway to find out how best to handle the re-development.

Steven Shalita, the World Bank communication specialist says, “The bank support is in response to a request by the Government and KCC after identifying congestion in Kampala city as a major problem.”

The study includes how to improve on roads, parking space for buses and when to withdraw omni-buses from the roads.

Transport analysts, say buses not only ease transport, but also ease traffic. For example, while it takes five taxis to carry 70 passengers, it only takes one bus to do the same.

There are two bus and taxi parks in the city. They are over crowded and need renovation. Plans are underway to renovate the new taxi park.

Because of the congestion in the main parks, several other temporary parking places have been set-up. These include the Constitutional Square, Cooper Complex, Nakawa Park, Natete Park and others operating alongside main roads.

Questions have been raised over the viability of having bus parks in the centre of the city. Until three years ago, most buses parked at the Baganda Bus park. However, the area was leased out and part of it used to construct a shopping mall. As a result, some bus companies set up their own parks. Kampala City Council came up with a plan to remove buses from the city centre.

There are over 150 buses heading to western Uganda. The eastern route follows with over 120 buses, while the northern route through Bombo-Gulu has about 80 buses.

There are about 15 buses operating in the city. These are Pioneer Easy Buses which are orange and City Buses which are green. Although they have received support from the travellers, the buses are fighting the hostile mini-bus taxi operators. The bus service is available on both Kampala-Gayaza Road and Kampala-Entebbe Road.

Passengers are still waiting for the day when the city will have an organised, efficient and reliable bus service.

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