Exceptional circumstances call for exceptional measures. Muslims and Christians in Senegal, like the global community, have been observing fasting since February 18/19, with Ramadan for some and Lent for others.

During this period of deprivation and spiritual introspection, the Regional Express Train (TER) decided to support its passengers by implementing a special system. The State of Senegal, through the Ministry of Infrastructure and Land and Air Transport and Senter, made financial contributions to the acquisition of seven new trainsets as well as a batch of spare parts to ensure the fleet's availability.

The TER (regional express train) relieves congestion during peak hours.

“This is our 5th year of operation and we have noticed through our figures that we have a high ridership during Ramadan,” explains Idrissa Gueye, Director of Mobility and Passenger Services at Seter. “When we talk about new trainsets, we also mean additional staff. So, it is within this framework that we are working closely with all departments, in order to capitalize on the achievements of recent years, particularly with the year 2024 when we had a very high influx of passengers during Ramadan.”

In practical terms, the new trainsets have been added to the existing fleet. This has allowed for an enhanced transport plan with increased service during the morning rush hour from 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. towards Dakar, and the afternoon rush hour from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. towards Diamniadio. The Director of Mobility and Passenger Services added: “This is what allows us to accommodate the maximum number of passengers and ensure they reach their destinations safely. This requires additional resources, including passenger services, station staff, train drivers, and maintenance teams, enabling us to react quickly and effectively. It is the work of a collective effort that has made it possible to implement this system and strengthen this transport plan.”

Aby Sarr, one of the unsung heroes who keep the Ter running

Among the hundreds of men and women mobilized daily to meet customer expectations is Aby Sarr. She is one of the 116 drivers who take turns operating the rolling stock throughout the day. Even better, of that total, 24 are women. This Tuesday, February 24th, she is starting her shift at the Diamniadio station. Her path to driving a train wasn't premeditated; it seems to be the result of a series of coincidences that make her "proud" today. With a degree in finance, she initially worked for a telecommunications company for three years, then for an online furniture retailer, before joining Seter in 2021 as a passenger service agent. "After that," she explains, "I applied to become a train driver."

“I joined the training program in November 2024 and completed it in June 2025, along with my certification. And since then, I’ve been a train driver,” she says. A passion for the machines and a sense of responsibility towards the passengers are some of the reasons that motivated the young woman to take the plunge. What also greatly influenced Aby’s decision was the desire to break down barriers: “It was a profession that was considered exclusively for men. Sometimes I see parents with their little girls who say, ‘Look, it’s a woman driving the train.’ It’s truly motivating and a source of pride.”

The company indicates that beyond this Ramadan period, a reinforced transport plan will be maintained in view of the commissioning of phase 2 of the TER towards AIBD.