Saint-Louis Launches Its Hybrid Taxi Pilot Project and First Gas Station
Saint-Louis, a tricentennial city in northern Senegal, is taking a significant step towards modernizing its urban transport. On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, the Land Transport Development Fund (FDTT) officially launched the operation of 20 new hybrid taxis to serve the neighborhoods of Goxu Mbacc, Ndar-Toute, Guet-Ndar, and Hydrobasse. This pilot project is accompanied by the commissioning of the city’s first gas station, marking progress towards cleaner and more economical transportation.
A Modern and Ecological Alternative
These new hybrid taxis, distributed between two Economic Interest Groups (GIE) of the Langue de Barbarie, run on gas, an energy source that is less polluting and more cost-effective than gasoline. Their introduction aims to reduce irregular transport and improve travel conditions for the residents of Saint-Louis.
“These new hybrid, modern, and ecological vehicles run on gas, and their introduction aims to eliminate irregular transport. They offer the inhabitants of the tricentennial city safer and more comfortable travel conditions,” explained Bara Sow, Administrator of the FDTT. He also announced that 15 additional taxis will soon be added to the fleet.
Institutional Commitment and Enthusiastic Beneficiaries
The launch ceremony was attended by Mr. Abdou Khadre Dieylani Bâ, Deputy Prefect representing the Governor of the Region, along with key project partners, including the Directorate General of Road Transport (DGTR), the Executive Council of Sustainable Urban Transport (CETUD), SENIRANAUTO, and MECTRANS.
The beneficiaries, consisting of taxi drivers and operators, expressed their satisfaction and commitment to ensuring the success of this pilot phase.
Infrastructure for a Sustainable Future
Supporting this transition towards cleaner mobility requires appropriate infrastructure. To this end, the first gas station in Saint-Louis has been inaugurated to ensure fuel supply for these new vehicles. This station will not only reduce operating costs for drivers but also lower the ecological footprint of urban transport in the city.
Towards Project Expansion?
This pilot project could pave the way for a broader transformation of urban transport in Senegal, with the potential extension of this initiative to other cities in the country. If successful, Saint-Louis could become a model for sustainable urban mobility.
With this project, Saint-Louis takes another step towards modern, safe, and ecological transportation, in line with the country’s sustainable development goals.
