Growing City, Slowing Commute: Addis Ababa’s Struggle for Efficient Public Transport

Addis Ababa’s population is projected to reach 5.9 million by 2025. As the city experiences rapid growth, its infrastructure has struggled to keep pace, particularly in the public transportation sector. Most residents rely on public transit for their daily commutes, yet long travel times, overcrowded vehicles, and congested roads make the experience time-consuming and inefficient. Public transportation in Addis Ababa primarily consists of three modes: minibus taxis, city buses, and the Addis Ababa Light Rail System.

Currently, minibus taxis provide transportation to most people in Addis Ababa. Although the figures are murky with varying estimates, there are between 8,000 and 10,000 (although some estimates put it at 22,000) minibus taxis in Addis Ababa. According to a report from 2022, these taxis provide more than 80% of Addis Ababa’s transportation needs. 

Public buses are the next largest providers of public transportation. The Anbessa City Bus Service is the primary public bus operator. The report estimates that there are 687 operational buses under Anbessa Bus, which is owned by the Addis Ababa City Administration. Data from 2018-2019 showed that these buses transport 309,888 passengers daily. That’s an average of 451 people per bus every day! But bus services aren’t limited to Anbessa Bus alone. The Sheger Express Bus has approximately 217 buses that transport 198,000 people per day. There is also a fleet of approximately 219 civil servant buses, known as “Public Buses” that provide free transportation to civil servants, provided that they have an ID.

Finally, the mode of transport with the least utilized potential is the Addis Ababa Light Rail System (AALRS). Launched in 2015, it started its services with a fleet of 40 trains and by 2016, was transporting an average of 113,500 people daily. However, by 2023, the number of operational trains had gone down to 17, dramatically reducing the number of people it transports, which plunged to 56,000 per day. 

Public Transportation Challenges 

The challenges of public transportation in Addis Ababa are easy to point out. One must only Take a stroll on the streets of Addis to notice the challenges. For one thing, passengers face long waiting times, especially in rush hours, as there aren’t enough vehicles to service the population adequately. Although the government has been building terminals with shelters, most waiting areas don’t have sufficient shelters, exposing commuters to harsh weather. Overcrowding of vehicles and terminals is also another challenge. Apart from being uncomfortable, commuters are exposed to pick-pocketers. Transport shortage, especially during nighttime, also exposes commuters to price gouging. Long commutes are also one of the features of transportation in Addis Ababa. A majority of low and middle income groups in Addis Ababa spend more than 2 hours daily on commutes. Yet, perhaps the most pervasive challenge of all is the cost of transportation itself.

Granted, public transportation currently is the cheapest means of transportation in Addis Ababa (apart from walking, that is). Public buses are heavily subsidized by the government to keep prices low. However, the cost of transportation is now becoming a burden for city residents. Transport costs account for more than 20% of household income for most low-income households in Addis Ababa. Rising fuel prices and administrative costs have caused transportation prices to rise in recent years. 

Although Addis Ababa’s transport system has been evolving, it has struggled to keep pace with the rising demands caused by the city’s rapid growth. The government plans to expand its bus fleet by buying more buses, aiming to ease congestion and reduce waiting times for commuters. However, without parallel investments in infrastructure and scheduling efficiency these efforts may offer only temporary relief. A sustainable solution will require a holistic approach that integrates better urban planning, increased investment in public transit infrastructure, and the incorporation of innovative, tech-driven mobility solutions.