Police Warn Against Rising Ticket Scalping During Festive Season, Passengers Urged to Report Incidents Promptly

During the Christmas and New Year festive season, the number of travelers moving between cities and provinces has significantly increased, leading to crowded bus stations such as those in Huye, Kigali, and other areas. This surge in passengers has created room for illegal ticket dealers commonly known as scalpers who buy tickets in bulk and resell them at inflated prices, inconveniencing and exploiting travelers.

At Huye bus terminal, the atmosphere is busy and noisy as buses load passengers while others rush to secure tickets. Many travelers say the biggest challenge is finding tickets at the official price. Jean Bosco Niyonzima, one of the passengers interviewed, explained:“Some people hoard many tickets and later resell them at very high prices. Sometimes you are forced to pay because you urgently need to travel.” Another traveler, Alice Uwamahoro, shared a similar experience: “I was supposed to pay 3,800 Rwandan Francs, but they charged me 5,000. It is frustrating because that extra money was meant for other needs.”

Transport companies say these scalpers are not their employees and that their illegal activities tarnish the companies’ reputation while financially burdening travelers. Eric Nshimiyimana,
“Those people are not part of our company. They give us a bad image. Whenever we identify them, we immediately inform authorities because they are exploiting passengers.”

Rwanda National Police has warned individuals engaged in such illegal practices that they are violating the law and will face appropriate punishment if caught. CIP Hassan Kamanzi, Police Spokesperson in the Southern Province, reminded citizens of their right to pay only the approved fares: “Selling tickets in an illegal manner is prohibited. We remind citizens that they have the right to pay only the official price. Anyone affected should report the incident immediately.”

He further assured the public that security will continue to be strengthened throughout the festive period and beyond: “The Police operates 24 hours a day. We will continue to work with partners to ensure that every citizen receives quality service and remains safe.”

As travel continues to increase during the festive season, Police urge passengers to purchase tickets only from authorized ticket counters, avoid dealing with scalpers, and report any suspicious activity on time. Citizens are also reminded that safety and order are achieved through cooperation, and everyone has a role to play in preventing illegal practices that may lead to financial loss or put travelers at risk.