AFRICA: Enhancing Viability of BRT Projects in Sub-Saharan Africa

Many Sub-Saharan African cities are experiencing substantial economic and population growth, placing increasing pressure on insufficient transport infrastructure and services. Several major cities have implemented or are in the process of implementing bus rapid transit (BRT) systems to counter the mobility challenges faced. BRT systems are typically infrastructure intensive and provide operationally complex services over long system design lifespans in challenging environments. As a result, such systems incur significant costs in infrastructure development and ongoing operations and maintenance. It is increasingly recognized that capital, operational, and maintenance funding sourced from fare revenue and the public focus is often insufficient to ensure these systems' effective delivery and long-term sustainability. Therefore, enhancing the financial sustainability and commercial viability of African BRT initiatives has become a key area of focus for African Governments and their development partners to mobilize additional sources of funding, including private capital.
To inform the government actions, PPIAF supported a study to assist the public and the private sector stakeholders in enhancing the financial sustainability and commercial viability of bus rapid transit systems in sub-Saharan Africa by:
• Identifying, framing, and analyzing the key factors influencing the financial sustainability and commercial viability of Sub-Saharan Africa bus rapid transit systems
• Developing a robust analytical tool to practically assess the factors influencing commercial viability of specific Sub-Saharan Africa bus rapid transit systems

Read the blog on Bus rapid transit in Sub-Saharan Africa: Private sector feedback about financial sustainability and commercial viability for more.