By Railways Africa Magazine
The Addis Ababa Light Rail, a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s urban transport infrastructure, has faced significant challenges since its launch in 2015. Despite serving millions of passengers, the system has been hampered by maintenance issues and resource constraints, leading to reduced operational capacity. Dr Birhan Abebaw, CEO of the Addis Ababa Light Rail Transport Service Enterprise, shares insights into the current status of the system, ongoing recovery plans, and ambitions for its future.
From Promise to Struggle: A Snapshot of Operations
Initially launched with 41 trains, the light rail system was designed to transport up to 140,000 passengers daily, offering a much-needed solution to Addis Ababa’s congested streets. However, insufficient focus on maintenance over the years led to a steep decline in operational capacity, with only 13 trains running at one point. Currently, 16 trains are operational, providing daily service to 50,000 passengers—far below its intended capacity.
Since its inception, the system has transported approximately 240 million passengers, with a peak daily record of 120,000 passengers. The limited fleet, coupled with insufficient spare parts and workshop resources, has been the primary constraint on the service.
Collaboration for Recovery: Government and International Support
The Ethiopian government, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, has prioritised the recovery of the light rail system. A recent agreement with the Chinese government has led to the deployment of technical teams to assess infrastructure issues and recommend solutions. Dr Birhan revealed that a second technical delegation is expected to arrive shortly, with promises of further support to enhance operations.
Local research groups are also involved in identifying key areas for improvement, working in collaboration with international partners to ensure a comprehensive recovery strategy.
The Importance of Private Sector Engagement
Dr Birhan emphasised the need for private sector involvement to overcome the system’s challenges. Key areas where private entities can contribute include:
- Supply of Spare Parts: The lack of foreign currency to procure essential parts has been a major bottleneck. Partnerships with private suppliers could ease this burden.
- Operational Participation: Private operators could lease trains and provide services on the existing track, offering a win-win solution for the system and residents.
- Environmental Contributions: Given the light rail’s environmentally friendly design, support from private companies focused on sustainability could bolster its carbon reduction initiatives.
Exploring Long-Term Solutions
While immediate efforts are directed at restoring the current fleet, long-term plans include:
- Workshop Development: Plans are underway to build a new workshop to enhance maintenance capabilities. The facility would also support other rail projects, including the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway.
- Digitalisation of Maintenance: Future workshops aim to incorporate digital monitoring systems for condition-based maintenance, improving efficiency and reliability.
Second Phase and Network Expansion
The initial light rail infrastructure spans 34 kilometres, with a second phase originally planned to extend the network to 76 kilometres. While the expansion project remains on hold due to feasibility and funding concerns, Dr Birhan expressed optimism about future opportunities, including potential Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
Affordability and Sustainability
One of the light rail’s key advantages is its affordability. A 17-kilometre trip costs just 10 Ethiopian Birr, five times cheaper than a taxi and half the cost of a bus. However, this affordability comes at a financial cost, as the system relies heavily on subsidies to cover operational expenses.
Dr Birhan acknowledged that passenger transport rarely generates profits but stressed its broader economic benefits, such as enabling mobility for citizens and stimulating local economies. Plans to adjust tariffs slightly are being considered to balance affordability with operational sustainability.
Future Investments
To restore the full fleet to operational status, the system requires an estimated $7 million for spare parts. Beyond this immediate need, plans are being made to procure an additional 20 trains in the coming years. The organisation is also exploring carbon credit financing to leverage its role in reducing emissions and promoting sustainable urban transport.
The Addis Ababa Light Rail remains a vital component of the city’s transport ecosystem, offering an affordable, sustainable alternative to road-based transit. With the government’s focus on recovery, support from international partners, and potential private sector engagement, the light rail system could be poised for a resurgence. Addressing its challenges head-on, the system has the potential to not only meet but exceed its original vision, providing reliable, environmentally friendly transport to the residents of Addis Ababa.
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