A New Beginning for Public Transportation in the Capital

Antananarivo’s urban train service begins its first journeys this Monday, December 15th. The public will be able to use it starting tomorrow. This new line improves transportation within the capital.

Initially, two daily trips will connect Soarano to Ambohimanambola. The first train departs Soarano at 5:00 AM for Amoronakona, before returning in the opposite direction. The second departure is at 5:30 PM, following the same route. The service operates from Monday to Saturday to meet the needs of workers and students.

Only one train is currently running, with a capacity of 300 passengers. “The government is already preparing for the arrival of a second train to expand service and ensure greater reliability,” according to Raharisone Juste, Minister of Transport. The route includes six stops between Soarano and Ambohimanambola, improving service to outlying neighborhoods.

Passengers pay 3,000 ariary (US$0.65) per ticket, a price considered affordable for a fast and safe service. “This mode of transport aims to alleviate the traffic congestion that plagues the capital daily and to offer a practical alternative to bush taxis and city buses,” he added.