For decades, the "Dakar Crawl" was a way of life—a two-hour battle through gridlock to cover just 36 kilometers. Today, that journey takes 40 minutes. Senegal’s Train Express Régional (TER) isn't just a train; it’s a blueprint for the future of sustainable transport across the continent.
With over 55 million passengers carried since its 2021 launch, the TER has become the lifeline of Dakar, but its story is only just beginning.
🚉 Phase 2: The Airport Link is Here
As of early 2026, the TER is entering its final "testing and certification" stage for the Diamniadio to Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD) extension.
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The Goal: A seamless 50-minute journey from central Dakar to the flight gate.
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The Tech: Operating at speeds of up to 160 km/h, it remains the most advanced electrified rail system in West Africa, using European-standard (ERTMS) signaling.
🌍 Impact by the Numbers
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80,000+ daily passengers.
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32% reduction in local CO2 emissions along the corridor.
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14 Stations connecting the historic Dakar station to the futuristic city of Diamniadio.
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1,000 Hybrid Taxis are being rolled out this month (Feb 2026) to solve the "last mile" problem, connecting neighborhoods directly to TER hubs.
⚠️ The Growing Pains
Success brings challenges. As the TER scales, the focus has shifted to two critical issues:
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Waste Management: Clogging of urban drains and tracks by single-use plastics remains a hurdle. The government is currently pushing a major "Refill and Reuse" initiative to protect the infrastructure.
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Safety & Security: With rapid growth, maintaining international safety standards is the top priority as the system transitions to full airport operations later this half-year.
🚀 The Future of the "Emerging Senegal Plan"
The TER is the crown jewel of the Plan Sénégal Émergent (PSE). It’s proving that high-speed, green infrastructure isn't just a luxury—it’s an economic engine. By moving people faster, Senegal is reclaiming millions of lost hours and turning Dakar into a global transit hub.
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