Hitachi Rail and EASIER Partner to Revolutionize Abidjan’s Metro System with Advanced Ticketing Technology

In a major step toward transforming urban mobility, Hitachi Rail and EASIER have secured a contract with Colas Rail to supply the TRANSCITY™ ticketing solution for Abidjan’s upcoming metro line. This landmark project is set to significantly enhance public transport efficiency in the Ivorian capital, addressing the growing demands of one of West Africa’s largest and most dynamic urban centers.

The new Abidjan Metro, spanning 37.4 km from Anyama Centre in the north to Aéroport Sud in the south, will feature 20 stations along its route. Designed to serve between 500,000 and 1 million passengers daily, the metro aims to ease traffic congestion, which currently places heavy reliance on a single bus network. With an eye on the future, the TRANSCITY™ ticketing solution will support the metro’s potential integration with Abidjan’s other transport services.

Hitachi Rail’s TRANSCITY™ system is built to simplify the travel experience for passengers while optimizing operations for transport authorities. The solution is designed to be adaptable, offering flexibility for future interoperability with other modes of public transportation across the city.

Passengers will benefit from seamless access, paying for their journeys with mobile phones and QR codes, making the process both efficient and user-friendly. A sophisticated back-office system will manage real-time data and support ticketing operations, ensuring smooth and reliable service delivery. A network of 330 access control gates will be deployed across the 20 stations to manage passenger flows and ensure seamless fare collection. Ticket vending machines (TVMs), ticket office machines (TOMs), and portable vending units (PVUs) will be strategically placed at each station to meet the diverse needs of metro passengers.

This project underscores Hitachi Rail’s longstanding commitment to improving urban mobility in Africa. With a strong history of delivering innovative solutions in countries such as Algeria, Senegal, Egypt, and South Africa, Hitachi Rail continues to lead the way in providing cutting-edge, sustainable transportation systems for the continent.

Jean-Marc Reynaud, VP of Hitachi Rail RCS, emphasized the importance of this project, saying:
"This contract represents a key milestone in our ongoing commitment to enhancing public transportation in Abidjan. The TRANSCITY™ ticketing solution will provide residents with a more efficient, sustainable, and accessible transport experience, fostering economic growth and improving the overall quality of life in the region."

Meanwhile, Alain Combette, EASIER Sales Director, shared his excitement about the project's scope:
"We are proud to contribute to such a transformative initiative in Abidjan. This project continues the momentum of our previous successful partnerships, such as our work on the Grand Paris Express in France, where we are delivering nearly 1,200 access gates, and in Egypt, where we have installed over 300 gates. We are excited to be part of Abidjan’s shift to modern urban mobility."

The Abidjan Metro project is more than just a transportation upgrade; it represents a significant leap toward the future of urban mobility in the city. With Hitachi Rail and EASIER at the helm of this project, Abidjan is poised to offer its residents a modern, seamless, and sustainable metro system that can integrate with other transport solutions as the city grows.

By 2027, the metro’s northern line will begin partial operations, with the full system expected to be operational by 2028. This project will not only provide improved transportation options for the city’s residents but also contribute to economic growth, environmental sustainability, and enhanced connectivity within the region.