In the bustling urban landscape of Dakar, an innovative initiative has recently emerged, radically transforming mobility in the Senegalese capital. For about a month, residents have had access to fully electric Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), a first in Africa. This revolutionary measure aims to improve travel in a city saturated by traffic, while reducing environmental impact.
BRTs, recognizable by their bright colors of the Senegalese flag, serve 14 key stops in the most densely populated areas of Dakar. With a service every 6 minutes, these electric buses have already transported up to 80,000 passengers per day, according to the Executive Council of Urban Transport of Dakar (Cetud).
The experience of travelers is unanimous: the advantages of BRT are undeniable. Journeys, which were once synonymous with a two-hour wait, now take around thirty minutes. Comfortable and air-conditioned, these buses offer a modern and efficient means of transport for the inhabitants of Dakar. Passenger testimonials highlight the speed of travel, with journeys completed in record time, thus contributing to real optimization of travel time.
Alongside the introduction of electric buses, Dakar recently inaugurated a regional express train (TER) linking the capital to Diamniadio, located around thirty kilometers away. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy aimed at reducing air pollution, responsible for the deaths of 7% of the city’s inhabitants according to a recent study.
For Thierno Birahim, Director General of Cetud, the BRT represents an important first step in the fight against pollution, but additional actions will be necessary to respond to the challenges of urban mobility in Dakar. By envisioning an extensive network of electric and gas buses, with the ultimate goal of significantly reducing CO2 emissions, Dakar is positioning itself as a pioneer in sustainable transport in Africa.
In conclusion, the introduction of electric buses in the Senegalese capital is a major step forward in improving urban mobility, reducing travel times and contributing to the preservation of the environment. This ambitious project embodies Dakar’s commitment to a more sustainable and better connected city, thus offering its residents a cleaner and more efficient future in terms of transport.