With the acquisition of 380 new buses, the construction of two depot workshops, and the development of 30 kilometers of roads, the Restructuring of the Public Transport Network (RTC) project marks a key step in modernizing mobility in Dakar and its suburbs. According to SourceAthis vast project, whose overall cost is estimated at 267.8 billion FCFA for the first phase, represents a strong commitment from the State of Senegal and its technical and financial partners to transform the urban transport landscape.
Covering the period 2023-2027, this first phase focuses on 14 pilot lines. It provides not only for the purchase of gas-powered buses to reduce carbon emissions, but also for the establishment of suitable infrastructure, including 9 intersections equipped with three-color signaling, 144 modern bus stops, and 15 termini. These infrastructures will aim to streamline the travel of the 435,000 passengers expected daily, as reported by SourceA.
The project is also accompanied by the construction of two ultra-modern workshop depots, located in Keur Massar and Ouakam, to guarantee the maintenance and durability of the new vehicles. These installations will strengthen the operational capacity of local operators responsible for operating the network.
According to the details of SourceAthe Senegalese State will make a contribution of 57.8 billion FCFA, while the rest will be financed by international partners, notably the European Investment Bank (109.5 billion), the French Development Agency (67, 9 billion), the KFW (19.7 billion) and the European Union (12.9 billion). This collaboration demonstrates donors’ renewed confidence in the government’s vision for sustainable development.
During the Regional Development Committee (CRD) chaired by the Governor of Dakar, Ousmane Kane, the strategic orientations of the project were validated in the presence of the Executive Council for Sustainable Urban Transport (CETUD), AGEROUTE, financial partners and representatives of civil society. Dr. Thierno Birahim Aw, Director General of CETUD, stressed that this initiative is part of the National Development Strategy 2025-2029, aiming for inclusive growth while reducing the environmental impact of transport.
The project sets as an intermediate milestone the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) scheduled for 2026. By this time, 14 pilot lines and 400 buses will be operational, offering a structured and hierarchical network of 103 lines in the long term.
This colossal project, reports SourceApromises not only to transform urban mobility in Dakar and its surroundings, but also to stimulate the local economy while strengthening Senegal’s commitments to sustainable development. Ultimately, it is an investment for the future, at the crossroads of economic, social and environmental issues.
