Managing Traffic in Kigali: Leveraging Geospatial Data for Smarter Solutions

Kigali city has experienced steady population growth over the last decade. According to the 2022 Population and Housing Census conducted by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda, Kigali city's population reached approximately 1.7 million in 2022. This represents a significant increase from previous years, driven by urbanization and the city's role as Rwanda's economic hub. Between 2012 and 2022, Kigali’s population grew at an average rate of about 4% per year(National Institute of Statistics Rwanda).??

The rapid socio-economic growth of Kigali's residents has increased disposable income, enabling more people to afford personal vehicles. As the city's population expands and urban development continues, the demand for private transportation has surged. This influx of vehicles has put mounting pressure on the road infrastructure, leading to significant traffic congestion. The growing number of cars on the road, combined with limited public transportation options, has intensified the strain on Kigali's road network, contributing to longer commute times and bottlenecks in key areas of the city especially during the peak hours in the morning and evening.

Several initiatives have been undertaken in Kigali to address congestion by the concerned institutions. These include expanding road infrastructure, putting more traffic police officers on the roads in different locations,? installing traffic lights, and roundabouts, and proposing the dedicated Kigali BRT. However, these measures have had limited success, primarily because they do not fully address the root causes of traffic flow inefficiencies which are a growing population and increased urbanization that outpace the current road network, and new construction often lags behind the demand.?

The remedy should be introducing the Geospatial data in the Kigali city planning strategies and policies.? Geospatial data offers a comprehensive way to address traffic congestion by providing real-time, location-based insights. Unlike traditional traffic reports, geospatial data integrates various sources of information, such as satellite imagery, GPS data, and sensor networks, to dynamically map congestion patterns. It enables planners to analyze the flow of traffic and make location data-backed decisions to optimize traffic signals, improve road planning, and design efficient public transport systems. This targeted approach ensures that interventions are made where they are most needed, reducing the time it takes to make critical decisions.?

Here’s how geospatial data can help manage traffic in Kigali and set the city on a path toward sustainable urban transport:

1. Mapping Congestion Hotspots with Geospatial Analytics

Geospatial data enables authorities to map and visualize traffic congestion patterns in real-time. By combining satellite imagery, GPS data, and ground-based sensors, city planners can identify areas with recurring traffic jams, bottlenecks, and accidents. This data can be used to create detailed traffic heatmaps, offering insights into how traffic flows during different times of the day, week, month, or year.

For Kigali, this data can be used to forecast congestion at peak times and optimize traffic signal timing. Additionally, by analyzing this data alongside road capacity and population density, planners can pinpoint areas where new roads, traffic lights, or roundabouts are needed to alleviate pressure.

2. Optimizing Public Transport Routes

During the Press conference held by the city of Kigal on September 3rd, 2024, the City officials announced a plan to create the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) soon. This should be one of the solutions to improve traffic congestion. Geospatial analysis of the bus GPS and passenger fare ticket data can help enhance the efficiency of public transportation by identifying underserved areas and optimizing routes. By analyzing population density, commuter patterns, and existing transport routes, the city can design a more efficient? Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, ensuring that buses serve high-demand areas effectively by considering them as high-priority areas.

Tools to monitor the live location of buses can also help redefine bus schedules, matching demand with supply more accurately. During peak hours, additional buses can be deployed along routes with the highest traffic density, reducing wait times and encouraging more people to shift from private vehicles to public transport.

3. Smart Parking Solutions Using Location Data

One of the causes of congestion in urban centers is the time spent searching for parking. Geospatial data can be used to build smart parking systems that allow drivers to quickly locate available parking spaces near their destinations. By using apps powered by GIS and real-time data, drivers can receive live parking availability notifications, reducing the number of vehicles circling busy areas in search of parking.

A smart parking project was successfully implemented by Altas Detections in collaboration with MINICT (https://atlasdetections.com/2024/03/28/smart-parking-system-in-kigali-rwanda/).? Kigali could extend such a system in key commercial areas like Downtown, Kicukiro, and Kisimenti, leading to smoother traffic flow and less congestion caused by parking-related delays.

4. Dynamic Route Recommendations for Drivers

With the integration of geospatial data and real-time traffic monitoring, digital systems can offer dynamic route recommendations to drivers. Navigation apps powered by GIS technology, such as Google Maps, Apple Maps, or locally developed solutions, can suggest real-time alternate routes based on current traffic conditions, roadworks, or accidents.

The use of geospatial data and machine learning models can also predict future traffic conditions, allowing drivers to make better-informed decisions before setting out on their journeys. This can help divert traffic away from congested areas and improve overall travel efficiency across the city.

5. Geospatial Data-Driven Infrastructure Planning

Long-term traffic management requires planning infrastructure based on accurate geospatial data. By using geospatial models to simulate population growth, economic activity, and transportation needs, Kigali City urban planners can better anticipate future traffic demands and strategically plan road networks, bridges, and public transport corridors.

For instance, the city could use spatial analysis to plan new roadways and optimize intersections to accommodate the growing population. This proactive approach ensures that traffic infrastructure is developed with future demands in mind, rather than reacting to congestion after it becomes problematic.

6. The Role of Traffic Police in Managing Traffic Jams

Traffic police play a crucial role in maintaining smooth traffic flow and ensuring road safety in Rwanda. Traditionally, their efforts have been reactive, responding to accidents, congestion, or law enforcement needs as they arise. However, with the integration of live geospatial data, traffic police can now adopt a more proactive and efficient approach to managing traffic jams like real-time monitoring and rapid response using geospatial data, powered by GPS, satellite imagery, dynamic traffic management, educating and enforcing laws in real-time, and optimizing emergency response.

7. Promoting Sustainable Mobility with GIS Insights

Geospatial data can also support the promotion of sustainable transport modes such as walking, cycling, and carpooling. By mapping pedestrian and cycling paths, Kigali City can ensure that non-motorized transport options are safe and convenient for residents. GIS tools can be used to identify areas where more pedestrian walkways or bike lanes are needed and assess their proximity to key destinations like schools, workplaces, and shopping areas.

Additionally, carpooling services powered by geospatial technology can connect commuters traveling similar routes, reducing the number of cars on the road and cutting down emissions.

Conclusion: A Data-Driven Future for Kigali’s Traffic

As Kigali city continues to grow, the adoption of geospatial data and location-based technologies will be crucial in shaping the city's future mobility. A collaborative approach involving city planners, city authorities, and the Traffic Police can transform how we manage urban congestion. By embracing innovation and sustainability, the city can pave the way for smarter, more efficient transport systems, ensuring a better quality of life for all residents.

A special thanks to Clovis Wanziguya , Romalice Ishimwe , and Léandre Mundere for their invaluable feedback on this article. Your insights have greatly contributed to its development. Your expertise and thoughtful comments helped refine our perspectives and improve the overall quality of the content. I deeply appreciate your time and contributions.