Urban Mass Transport : Yaounde’s Bus Rapid Transit Due In 2028

Funded by Team Europe (the European Union, the German Technical Corporation, GiZ and the French Development Agency, AFD), Yaounde’s Green Mobility Project (MoVe Yaounde) or Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, is expected to go operational in 2028. It is a project of the Yaounde City Council, overseen by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, MINHDU. The longest lane of the mass transit service will run from Olembe Stadium to the north, down to Ahala on the southern outskirts of Yaounde. A total distance of 22 km. There will be 28 bus stations along the course. The service will debut with 52 electric buses.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Celestine Ketcha Courtes, said Green Mobility Project will reduce the effects of climate change. Adding that the transport system will curb road accidents in Yaounde. The Minister disclosed that Yaounde’s population has tripled in the past 15 years – thus the urgency to improve its transport system.  A Memorandum of Understanding for the project was signed by various parties.
The Green City Project is about transiting to renewable energy as the buses will be powered by electric energy from the Nachtigal Dam in the Centre Region. Moreover, Yaounde’s Central Business District (downtown Yaounde) will be transformed green. Trees will be planted to improve air quality and movements for pedestrians will be facilitated. The project will also help in ameliorating the quality of services offered by current town ship taxis.
“At last, we can make Yaounde a modern city!” commented Yaounde City Mayor, Luc Messi Atangana. He explained that the City Council in 2019 developed a new urban transport plan. When operational, Yaounde’s Bus Rapid Transit system will transpo...