APA-Dakar (Senegal) The company, run by young Africans, aims to revolutionise the sector by offering passengers “the same comfort as air travel.”
Modern stations, comfortable buses, qualified hostesses and drivers. These are just some of the services offered by Phoenix International Transport to “revolutionise” travel between the different regions of Senegal. Initiated by seven young people from the Comoros, Senegal, Tunisia and Togo, the project will be launched “on 1 September 2023” with a trip from Dakar to Mbour at a fare of FCFA 2,500, according to its director, Aki Komi Rodolphe.
On 3 September, the Sufi brotherhood of the Mourides will celebrate the Grand Magal of Touba. It commemorates the exile of the founder of the brotherhood, Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba, to Gabon in 1895. Celebrated in Touba, Senegal, since 1928, the year after Bamba’s death, this event attracts large crowds. Rodolphe and his colleagues want to cash in on the event “to raise their profile”, he said.
Intercity transport is a highly developed sector in Senegal, with a large number of players. To make its mark, Phoenix International Transport plans to focus on “comfort”, which other operators do not offer.
“Our ultra-modern buses offer passengers protection from the weather and heat, reclining seats, flat screens, air conditioning, Wi-Fi connection and more,” said Aki Komi Rodolphe.
In addition, he said “we will set up modern stations in each region, offering an airport experience at very competitive prices. Passengers will be assisted by hostesses who will check their tickets and look after their luggage. There will be two waiting areas with modern furniture and flat screens, as well as restaurants and shops to meet their needs.”
To ensure the viability of their project, the young entrepreneurs will set up shops and restaurants in the various stations and rent them out to private individuals. Advertising space will also be made available to potential advertisers who wish to promote their products on the screens installed on the back of each chair.
The young promoters of this project, with a capital of “11 million CFA,” are optimistic and dream of conquering the continental market.
They have decided to open up the company’s capital by selling shares at 10,000 CFA (16 euros). By the end of this month, they hope to have the funds they need to launch their business.
ARD/ac/lb/as/APA