Improvement of the public transport offer in Addis Ababa (B2 BRT line)

The capital city of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, is facing one of the largest increases in population and urbanization rates on the African continent. The population is estimated to be around 5,000,000 inhabitants.

In order to accompany its urbanization, the city of Addis Ababa has put in place a transport plan comprising 14 Bus Rapid Transit lines and 2 Light Rail Transport (LRT) lines. The city of Addis Ababa has asked AFD to finance the construction of a 15 km BRT line. 

Current urban growth is placing heavy constraints on urban mobility in Addis Ababa. The municipality has therefore made planning, improving the supply and management of public transport services one of its priorities and has requested AFD's support. Indeed, in the face of rapid urbanization, the role of mass public transport is becoming strategic: its purpose is no longer simply to meet demand by trying to adapt to urban expansion, but to anticipate it and structure it upstream, in an integrated and sustainable approach.

Two loans for a total amount of 85 million euros were granted between December 2014 and December 2015 for the construction of the first Rapid Transit Bus (BRT) line.

The project aims at commissioning a Bus Rapid Transit line on the existing road, supporting the establishment of the operator in charge of the future line, and strengthening the project management capacities of the city of Addis Ababa for the implementation of future Bus Rapid Transit lines.

In terms of infrastructure, this project provides for the construction of a 15 km bus corridor, the majority of which will be exclusive right-of-way, including interchanges, traffic management equipment and bus shelters.  At the institutional level, AFD is continuing the support already provided to the future single transport regulatory authority. Measures to optimize the operating plans of bus services and to integrate the local offer (cabs and minibuses) are being studied (real-time information for users, station extensions, etc.). Communication and consultation with the sector (small-scale transporters, who currently provide 80% of the public transport offer) and the public are planned.

The project aims to improve the quality of life of the inhabitants of Addis Ababa through the development of a reliable and economically accessible public transport network.
The B2 bus line will have a capacity to carry 5,400 people per direction per hour and will reach a population of over 400,000 people. The socio-economic impacts will be particularly significant because the proposed corridor is located in a densely populated, relatively low-income area that is experiencing significant development.