To revolutionise mobility: Douala City Council launches integrated urban transit system.

The launch brought together an array of stakeholders, including senior government officials, city authorities, representatives of the World Bank, transport operators, civil society organisations, and local community members. The event emphasised the government’s commitment to sustainable urban planning and modern infrastructure, particularly in Douala.

Douala, a city of over four million inhabitants, has long faced the challenges of rapid population growth, urban sprawl, and heavy traffic congestion. Commuters spend hours daily navigating crowded streets, relying on informal transport modes, such as motorcycle taxis and minibuses, which are often unsafe and inefficient.

“The mobility of people and goods is crucial for Douala, a metropolis and economic hub of Central Africa. This project represents a key operational arm of the city’s Sustainable Mobility Plan,” Minister Ketcha Kourtes said. 

She added that the initiative reflects the government’s determination to provide residents with safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable transportation options.

Transformative transit solution

The integrated urban transit system centres on a modern Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, corridor that connects major points in the city, including Ndokoti roundabout, Yassa, Village and PK 14. The system also includes feeder lines, multimodal transport hubs, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and upgraded bus stations.

The mobility expert at the Douala City Council, Prisca Olingab, said it has been designed to transport more than 600,000 passengers daily and the system promises a significant reduction in travel times—up to 90 minutes per commuter on key routes. She said the initiative will not only improve mobility, but also reduce congestion, lower road accidents, and enhance the overall quality of life in Douala.

Anne-Cécile Suede, the World Bank’s resident representative, highlighted the project’s regional significance. 

“Douala is now joining a select group of African cities, including Dar es Salaam, Lagos, and Dakar, which have successfully implemented Bus Rapid Transit systems. This project will expand access to employment, improve transport safety, and promote inclusive urban development,” Suede said. 

Funding, partnerships, and professionalisation

The project is backed by a $420 million funding package from the World Bank, approved in 2022, alongside contributions from the private sector for the acquisition, operation, and maintenance of rolling stock and infrastructure. Beyond infrastructure, the project includes professionalisation programmes for transport operators, ensuring that drivers and staff adhere to safety and operational standards.

“This project is not just about buses on roads; it is about building a sustainable system that connects neighbourhoods, creates jobs, and improves the daily lives of our citizens. Our collaboration with transport operators, civil society, and the international community ensures that this project will be both inclusive and effective,” Douala City Mayor, Dr. Roger Mbassa Ndine, said. 

The BRT system, he added, is also designed with environmental sustainability in mind. By reducing reliance on informal, fuel-intensive transport modes, he said, the project will cut greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Additionally, upgraded pedestrian pathways, designated bus lanes, and traffic management measures will improve road safety for commuters and pedestrians alike.

The City Mayor reechoed President Paul Biya’s repeated stance on the importance of modern transport infrastructure as part of Cameroon’s long-term vision for sustainable urban development. He added the Douala integrated urban transit system represents a concrete step toward realising this vision, demonstrating the government’s commitment to building resilient, efficient, and inclusive cities.

Experts noted that the project has the potential to create significant socioeconomic benefits. Improved mobility facilitates access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, contributing to more equitable urban development.

Construction of feeder roads and associated infrastructure is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with the full BRT corridor expected to be operational by 2027. City authorities have emphasised the importance of public engagement, pledging continuous communication with residents to minimise disruptions during the construction phase.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3565 of Monday September 15, 2025