Addis Ababa Light Rail Transit
Sub-Saharan Africa's first modern light rail system, carrying over 100,000 passengers daily in Ethiopia's capital.
The Addis Ababa Light Rail Transit (AA-LRT) is sub-Saharan Africa's first operational light rail system. Built by the China Railway Group at a cost of $475 million, the system comprises two lines totalling 31.6 km with 39 stations. Opened in September 2015, it was designed to carry up to 60,000 passengers per hour per direction and has significantly eased traffic congestion in one of Africa's fastest-growing capitals, which has a population exceeding 5 million.
- 01Provide affordable mass transit for Addis Ababa's rapidly growing population
- 02Reduce severe road congestion and commute times across the capital
- 03Lower transportation costs for low- and middle-income residents
- 04Reduce vehicle emissions and improve urban air quality
- 05Serve as a catalyst for transit-oriented urban development
- 06Demonstrate the viability of modern rail transit in sub-Saharan Africa
2012 · completed
Construction Begins
Construction started on both the North-South (Menelik II Square to Kality) and East-West (Ayat to Torhailoch) lines.
2015 · completed
Official Opening
The East-West line opened on 20 September 2015, followed by the North-South line in November, making it sub-Saharan Africa's first light rail.
2018 · completed
Ridership Milestone
The system surpassed cumulative ridership of 100 million passengers since opening.
2020 · completed
Rehabilitation Announced
The Ethiopian government announced a $100 million rehabilitation and expansion plan to address wear and capacity issues.
2023 · completed
Rehabilitation Works Begin
Major rehabilitation including track repairs, station upgrades, and additional rolling stock procurement commenced.
2025 · in progress
Expansion Planning
Feasibility studies for extensions to satellite towns and integration with the Addis Ababa BRT are underway.
Construction Contractor
China Railway Group Limited (CREC)
Designed and built the entire system including civil works, tracks, and electromechanical systems.
Rolling Stock Supplier
CRRC (Shenzhen)
Supplied 41 three-car light rail vehicles, each with a capacity of approximately 286 passengers.
Financing
China Exim Bank
Provided the majority of project financing through concessional loans to the Ethiopian government.
Owner/Operator
Ethiopian Railways Corporation (ERC)
The state entity that owns and operates the light rail system.
- Standard gauge (1,435 mm) light rail track
- 70% at-grade, 30% elevated and underground sections
- Overhead catenary electric traction (750 V DC)
- Shenzhen CNR (CRRC) light rail vehicles
- Automated fare collection system
- Centralized operations control centre
What it means for the community
The AA-LRT carries an average of 100,000–120,000 passengers per day, providing affordable transit at fares starting from 2–6 Ethiopian Birr (under $0.15). It has removed an estimated 50,000 vehicle trips daily from Addis Ababa's roads and created over 13,000 construction jobs and 2,000 permanent positions. The system serves as a proof of concept for urban rail in sub-Saharan African cities.
- Ethiopian Railways Corporation (Government of Ethiopia)
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