Last week, a joint team comprising representatives from the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP), the Senegal Road Assessment Programme (SnRAP) and LASER International carried out iRAP data collection along corridors surrounding Dakar’s BRT stations, priority sections of the Senegalese road network, and around schools.
The results will feed into strategic investment projects aimed at delivering 3-star or better safer roads, safer school journeys, and improved pedestrian access to Senegal’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Network.
Spotlight on the BRT
The safety assessment of routes used by pedestrians to travel to and from BRT stations is part of a broader initiative led by iRAP, SnRAP and the Executive Council on Sustainable Urban Transportation (CETUD), in partnership with GIB Foundation, FIA Foundation, and the French Development Agency (AFD), aiming to strengthen BRT projects worldwide.
The Dakar BRT corridor has already achieved a 4- and 5-star safety Star Rating on its main route following its construction. Strong commitment from the Government of Senegal and its partners continues to ensure a high level of safety for all BRT users.
By extending safety assessments to pedestrian routes within a 500-metre radius of stations, the BRT system is entering a new phase – one that is more inclusive and integrated. This approach has the potential to shape future BRT projects across Africa and significantly improve safety outcomes for millions of public transport passengers.
Aligned with Global Goals
This initiative is fully aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11, which promotes safe, inclusive, and sustainable transport systems. It also supports the United Nations road safety targets to reduce fatalities and serious injuries by 50 per cent, as well as Target 4 of the Global Plan for Road Safety, which aims for 75 per cent of travel to take place on roads rated 3-stars or higher.
We commend the strong commitment of all partners involved in the Ten Step Senegal Project, led by the National Road Safety Agency (ANASER) of Senegal.
The SnRAP assessment team on the streets of Dakar
Images credit: iRAP and CETUD