Senegal launches first all-electric bus rapid transit network in sub-Saharan Africa

DAKAR, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- Senegal on Wednesday launched sub-Saharan Africa's first all-electric Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network in the capital of Dakar.

In a launching ceremony, Senegalese Prime Minister Amadou Ba said that this project is a very modern infrastructure, and also a major innovation.

The Dakar BRT project, boasting a total length of 18.3 km with 23 bus stations and three hub transfer stations, was constructed by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). The all-electric buses for this project are provided by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation.

After the launch, commuting time from Dakar's suburbs to the city center will be halved, and urban mobility will be improved, said Huang Fei, project manager of CRBC.

The project created 1,500 jobs during construction and is expected to offer more than 1,000 jobs after putting into operation, said Huang.