The news is bad. This jewel which pleased more than one, seems to be abandoned in a period of time by the Senegalese. The Dakar Regional Express Train (Ter) experienced a spectacular drop in attendance in 2024, with nearly 20 million passengers at least according to figures published by the Regional Express Train operating company (Seter). According to Les Echos, which provides the information, this loss, justified by technical problems and service interruptions, highlights the challenges facing this ambitious project, the aim of which is to relieve congestion on the roads of the Senegalese capital.
In 2024, the Ter has transported “more than 21 million passengers”, announces a press release posted on Facebook by Seter. Indeed, this figure represents a clear decrease compared to 2023, when the rail network recorded a total of 41 million passengers, according to Abdou Ndéné Sall, Director General of the company at the time.
Although the reasons for this decline have not been officially communicated, several observers point to a decline in user interest due to frequent breakdowns and technical problems having disrupted operations.
In October 2024, work was carried out to correct technical failures, through the construction of a security system management station in Rufisque, resulting in temporary traffic interruptions.
According to initial forecasts, the section currently in service, linking Dakar to Diamniadio, over 36 km, was expected to transport around 115,000 passengers per day. However, the results obtained remain well below expectations, reports the newspaper.
While the second phase, currently under construction, plans to connect the network to Blaise Diagne International Airport (Aibd) and increase its capacity to 300,000 passengers per day.
A drop in attendance on the Dakar Regional Express Train (TER) in 2024 is noted. It can be attributed to several factors, combining technical and organizational problems and perhaps changes in user habits first.
-High cost for some users
According to the newspaper, recurring technical problems with increasingly frequent breakdowns causing repeated interruptions of service such as that reported in October 2024 for work in Rufisque may have discouraged many users, affecting the perception of the reliability of the TER.
Added to this is the high cost for certain users which may also be a reason for this drop in attendance.
Although the TER aims to be an accessible alternative, its price could be perceived as too high for part of the population, particularly in these periods of great economic difficulty.
There is also competition from other informal means of transport such as Vtc, taxis, buses and “Ndiaga Ndiaye” which often offer more flexible and cheaper journeys. This can divert certain TER users, especially in the event of a disruption.
High expectations for the TER, as a flagship project, may have amplified criticism of the dysfunctions. Also, the absence of fluid connections between the TER and other means of transport (buses, taxis, etc.) can complicate its use for daily travel.
