Israeli Company To Manage Uganda’s First Public Bus Network

Israeli company Optibus will partner with Ugandan company SCINTL to manage the first public bus network in its capital, Kampala.

The project is organized by Tonkeda Metro Company and sponsored by the World Bank.

It is expected to create more than 12,000 jobs locally by 2025.

The fleet is expected to grow to 3,000 vehicles over the next few years, and to be 100% electric within a decade. TMC will use Optibus’ software to plan routes, and timetables and optimize resource allocation. 

Currently, Kampala’s over 1.5 million residents travel on mini-buses and motorbike taxis that do not operate on set schedules and frequently change their pick-up and drop-off points.

Fares, too, fluctuate, and passengers are forced to confront unpredictable wait times in extreme heat or heavy rain.

Fortunately, the public bus network will not only lighten these burdens, but will also improve air quality and reduce traffic accidents in Kampala.

Kevin Short, head of technology at TMC, added: “This is a great opportunity for Uganda and Africa at large, and a gamechanger in the transportation industry.”