Monrovia-Abidjan Bus Service Launched
— Ivorian transport firm, SDS, will make three trips a week
People who desire to travel to Abidjan and other cities in Ivory Coast won’t have to go through the tedious task of traveling to the Ivorian major town of Danané before making their way to their respective destinations.
From the comfort of their homes, they can book a seat for a bus ride right in Monrovia, and they will be good to go as the Ivorian transportation firm, Societé Diomande Service (SDS) has captured would-be travelers in its plan.
The company launched its services in Liberia over the weekend, effectively kicking off its operations with a bus transport service between Monrovia and Abidjan.
The management of SDS disclosed that there are about 30 brand new buses in its fleet and that they are ready to begin service between Abidjan and Monrovia, effective this month.
Adam Kamara, the Liberia Coordinator of the company, said the bus will be traversing the Abidjan-Monrovia route at least three times a week, including Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
He said, they will provide all the best available services to their passengers, including the serving of tea, soft drinks, and other amenities while in transit.
“Our buses are fully air-conditioned and with television to make the journey stress-free for our passengers,” he says.
“We are going to establish our main terminal in Monrovia, opposite Coca-Cola Factory, and then we will also be establishing offices in all cities along the highway from Monrovia to Loguatuo,” he added.
“Once you buy your ticket in any of the offices along the highway, the bus will pick you up,” Mr. Adam Kamara, the Liberian coordinator, said.
On Saturday, February 24, 2024, the company made an awareness tour from the Ivory Coast to Liberia, making a stop in nearly all the major cities and towns along the highway.
“Instead of going to Danané to board a bus for Abidjan, you will now board [for] Abidjan in Monrovia and the bus will take you straight on the very day,” said one Fofana, one of the agents on the bus.
Although the fare is yet to be announced, the Kamara said it will be affordable or reasonable for commuters.
Currently, the fare from Danané to Abidjan is about CFA 10,000 with the Liberian equivalent of about L$3,300, not including the cost from Monrovia to Danané.
With the pavement of the road almost reaching the border with Ivory Coast, it is likely expected to ease the transportation cost between the capital cities of the two neighboring countries; Monrovia and Abidjan.
Despite all of these positive developments, the numerous security checkpoints along the Monrovia–Danane road are an issue many commuters fear may affect the fares and also hamper smooth operation of the bus movement.
However, Adam Kamara said anyone traveling on the bus should have all their travel documents together to avoid any embarrassment at the various checkpoints on the road.