China-funded light rail popular in Addis Ababa

Updated: April 25, 2017 Source: Belt and Road Portal
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The light rail project in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia with a population of 5 million people not only facilitates residents’ outing, but also adds to the city’s modernity, according to passengers recently interviewed by People’s Daily.

Funded and constructed by China, the project began operating in late 2015. It consists of two lines extending a total of 34.25 kilometers connecting suburban residential communities to the center business district of the city.

A female commuter said it costs about half the fare of the old mini bus services, while the journey takes much less time from the suburb to downtown 15 kilometers away. “It is swift, clean and comfortable,” she noted.

The light rail began operation in late 2015, and as of March 2017, it had handled a total of 55.28 million passenger trips. On the busiest day, it handles 185,000 passenger trips.

“The light rail has changed the city in many aspects. Because of the lack of public transport, the city ‘fell asleep’ after 8 pm previously. Now, the light rail runs until 10 pm. So, many shops and restaurants are still busy until then,” Wang Wei, general-manager of Shenzhen Metro’s Ethiopian company.

A consortium formed by Shenzhen Metro and China Railway Group will offer operation services for three years. So far more than 700 Ethiopian staff members have received the certificates required for relevant positions after completing their training courses offered by the Chinese companies.

Prime Minister of Ethiopia Hailemariam Desalegn said the light rail brings progress to not only the capital city’s transport, but also Ethiopia’s technology and skills.

Getachew Mengiste, vice-minister of transport, said the railway has modernized Addis Ababa’s transport, and is a landmark project now impressing other African countries, as well as being another milestone in Ethiopia-China friendship. 

Editor: liuyue