City bus operators are exploring possibilities to increase the number of electric passenger buses after recording a combined revenue of over Rwf 14m in the first month of operation.
Not divulging specific details, DOREEN ORISHABA Country Lead BASIGO, disclosed to IHUZO that the operators are looking at several options to replace some diesel engine buses with electric ones as the latter is proving to be much more profitable.
“Sincerely we are receiving exciting feedback from our partners (bus operators), who are showing great interest in acquiring more electric buses after registering a record fare revenue of more than Rwf 14m and over 2000 liters of diesel saving in just 31 days of operation,” said Orishaba.
Orishaba says that this motivates them and gives them confidence for business growth as it aligns with her company target of having 200 buses in the next two years.
“We are seeing a growing curve for our business model, today one operator is committing to replacing 30 percent of his diesel fleet with E-buses in a space of one year, so this is good for business”, Orishaba added.
Still in the pilot phase, the company is operating four buses which according to Orishaba is to provide them with valuable data and experience vital for the planned expansion.
According to the company, the kilometer-based subscription model (PAY-AS-YOU-DRIVE) is expected to hasten the adoption since bus operators are not required to meet a higher upfront cost to acquire a bus but rather a low-down payment with the remaining balance paid on mileage.
Meanwhile, during this time the company continues to cover all maintenance costs including charging which Orishaba believes to be a game-changer in public transport speeding up the adoption.