Senegal’s first TER was launched in Dakar

In the heart of Dakar (Senegal), a station has been completely renovated. Built by the French colonists in 1885, it is today the starting point of the new TER. The train, accessible to travelers for a few days, already attracts many curious. “We are happy to have this gem. It is a wonder“, confides a father. The project has been carried out at full speed since 2016. It will be able to transport nearly 115,000 passengers a day.”We saw it in other countries. Now it’s here in Senegal, and we’re very proud. It’s part of the development“, says an employee.

The TER also aims to fight against traffic jams, which saturate the capital daily. It takes about thirty minutes to travel the line, for a little over two euros. Nearly 950 people have been recruited to operate the TER. Among her, Fatou Samb, one of the first train drivers in Senegal. 20% of drivers are indeed women. “My pride, I can’t [la] measure. I’m overflowing with joy every time I take the train in the morning“, she confides. However, the train leaves a bitter taste to some. Ibrahima Sidibe was expropriated in 2017 in order to set up the maintenance site, and received only 40 euros in compensation. Nearly 2,000 people have launched an appeal.