Question
Here is the question : WHAT IS THE FIRST AFRICAN CITY WITH A MODERN LIGHT RAIL SYSTEM?
Option
Here is the option for the question :
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Algiers, Algeria
- Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Kinshasa, Congo
The Answer:
And, the answer for the the question is :
Explanation:
In 2016, the city of Addis Ababa, which serves as the capital of Ethiopia, was the first on the African continent to install a light rail system. The east-west route is 10.8 miles long, and the north-south line is 10.5 miles long; combined, the system transports over 110,000 people per day. When Tunis, in the country of Tunisia, opened its metro in 1985, it became the first city in Africa to have a subway system.
Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, opened Africa’s first modern light rail transit system in 2015. The Addis Ababa Light Rail project represented a pioneering effort to develop sustainable mass transit infrastructure on the continent, improve transportation connectivity, reduce traffic congestion and pollution, and support sustainable urbanization.
Addis Ababa is a fast-growing, densely populated city of over 4 million residents. Vehicular traffic levels have increased tremendously over recent decades, leading to severe congestion, air pollution, accidents and lack of mobility options for much of the population. The light rail system aimed to provide an efficient, environmentally-friendly and affordable transit option for trips within the city.
The 35 kilometer initial network connected major areas including Addis Ababa University, Holy Savior Hospital, Menelik’s New Imperial Palace, Entoto Maryam Church and Entoto St. Mary. Additional phases will continue expanding the system to connect more neighborhoods and destinations over time. The light rail uses modern electric trains running on standard gauge tracks, allowing for fast, frequent and comfortable service along dedicated routes.
This project has significance beyond Addis Ababa as the first large-scale modern transit system in Africa. It demonstrates the viability of light rail for sustainable urban mobility across the continent. Success in Addis Ababa could encourage further investments developing light rail and other mass transit solutions in Africa’s fast-growing cities battling congestion, pollution and lack of alternative options to private vehicle use.
The light rail also provides economic opportunities through construction, operations, and support industries. It includes provisions for affordable fares, wheelchair accessibility, and integration with bus services and taxi stands, improving access for all residents. There are plans to incorporate additional environmentally-friendly features like solar-powered lighting and waste collection stops along routes over time.
Beyond transportation, the Addis Ababa Light Rail is a symbol of progress, development and modernization in Ethiopia. After decades of war, political turmoil and lack of infrastructure investment, it represents a move toward a more sustainable and prosperous future for the city and country. High quality construction using international standards and best practices in design, operations and safety management reflect this progress on a global stage.
Addis Ababa opened Africa’s first modern light rail system in 2015. Addis Ababa Light Rail, Ethopia’s capital and largest city, aimed providing an efficient, eco-friendly and affordable transit option for 4 million residents with severe traffic congestion, pollution and lack of mobility options.
The 35 km initial network connected major areas including Addis Ababa University, Holy Savior Hospital, Menelik’s New Imperial Palace, Entoto Maryam Chu