Introduction
Given the vital role of transportation systems in the socio-economic development of African cities, the sustainability advantage of public (mass) transportation modes over private transportation modes and the increased rate of urbanisation and congestion in African cities, the need for established and reliable public/mass transportation systems has not been more apparent than it currently is.
In this vein, recent years have seen the development, implementation and rehabilitation of public transportation systems such as bus rapid transit, light rail and inter-state/city rail systems in different African cities, which take into consideration the specific needs of the relevant city, as well as distinguishing factors such as the geographical location, topography of these cities.
The articles below highlight the developments in mass transportation systems in about 6 African cities over recent years, their unique features and challenges faced in the development and roll-out of these transportation systems.
Urban transport across Africa turns to electrification
- Across Africa, public transport is embracing electrification at an unprecedented pace. Municipal administrations are taking the lead, forging partnerships with private enterprises to drive this eco-friendly evolution of bus fleets.
- South Africa is the latest country to take the leap to sustainable urban transportation after the Cape Town-based Golden Arrow Bus Service unveiled an ambitious plan to electrify its entire fleet of 1 100 buses — a strategic move that is a significant step towards greener public transportation in the country.
- A report by TopAuto.co.za, a motoring news platform, said Golden Arrow — South Africa’s largest public transportation service — will electrify 60 buses from its fleet every year, beginning from 2024, until it has replaced the diesel-powered buses.
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Yutong to provide 12,000 e-buses in Lagos, Nigeria, in cooperation with energy company OCEL
- Oando Clean Energy Limited (OCEL), an energy company based in Nigeria, has kicked off a collaboration with Chinese bus manufacturer Yutong. The partnership aims to deploy 12,000 electric buses and install the necessary infrastructure to support them on Nigerian roads within the next seven years. The first two pilot vehicles have been delivered. The buses will be assembled locally.
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Kenya's president Ruto signs $59mln deal with US aid agency to acquire electric buses
- The project aims to facilitate the timely operation of BRT lines and contribute to Kenya’s goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions related to urban transportation.
- Kenya's President William Ruto has signed a Ksh8.7 billion ($59.2 million) deal with US foreign aid agency Millenium Challenge Corporation (MCC) for the acquisition of electric buses to ease traffic congestion in Nairobi Metro Area.
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US and EU jointly support new African railway line between Zambia and Angola
- The European Union and the United States are teaming up to support the development of a new Greenfield African railway line expansion between Zambia and Angola by launching feasibility studies. The countries committed to this at the G20 Summit in India last Saturday.
- The new African railway line is part of developing the Trans-African Corridor connecting southern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and northwestern Zambia to regional and global trade markets via the Port of Lobito in Angola. The project was announced on the margins of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) event at the G20 in India.
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Nigeria: Passengers celebrate as Lagos metro rail project begins operations
- Nigeria's commercial capital Lagos on Monday began the first of commercial operations for its Blue Rail Line project.
- Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, joined fellow Lagosians and state officials in celebrating the official launch of commercial operations for the Lagos Blue Line rail.
- The long-awaited commencement date, which had been postponed multiple times, is expected to provide significant relief to the people of Lagos.
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With Bus Rapid Transit, African cities are riding toward a better future
- Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a high-capacity public transport service that generally runs on dedicated lanes, offering fast and consistent journey times.
- BRT is enjoying growing popularity in Africa, where six systems are already operational and another ten are under development.
- In the face of rapid urbanization, BRT can be an effective way to keep African cities moving while reducing the carbon footprint of transport.
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