Bus Explorer

Antananarivo is continuing its public transportation modernization plan with the delivery of a third batch of new buses. The goal is to ease traffic flow in the congested capital and provide a more sustainable service in the face of population growth.

Antananarivo is continuing its urban transport modernization strategy with the arrival of a new batch of 169 FOTON buses at the port of Toamasina. This delivery, operated by the Société de manutention des marchandises classiques (SMMC), brings to 312 the number of vehicles received since June 2025.

Equipped with mixed electric and thermal engines, these buses aim to offer a more modern and environmentally friendly alternative to the aging taxis and minibuses that still dominate the streets of the capital.

The Malagasy government is banking on these new capacities to ease traffic congestion that has become critical. With more than 3 million inhabitants concentrated in a city originally designed for 300.000, Antananarivo experiences significant traffic jams daily, exacerbated by the inadequacy of the public transport network. Buses will be gradually deployed on strategic routes to strengthen the formal service and improve the regularity of journeys, particularly during rush hour.

Beyond this fleet, the authorities are developing a comprehensive vision for integrated mobility. Parallel projects include the rehabilitation of the road network, the modernization of railway lines, and the commissioning, by the end of 2025, of the country’s first urban cable car network.

These initiatives are part of a policy of opening up and reducing the carbon footprint, aligned with national climate commitments. Their success, however, will depend on the management and maintenance of facilities, to sustainably meet the growing travel needs in the Malagasy capital.

The latest order of Selam Buses from Yutong, the world’s largest bus manufacturer, are now ready for delivery from Tianjin Port, China, to Djibouti Port. These buses will soon arrive in Ethiopia and begin operating across major cities.

Designed to enhance the passenger experience, the buses come equipped with modern in-transit amenities, including video screens, USB chargers at every seat, folding tables for each seat, a 22-inch LCD TV at the front door, a 19-inch LCD TV in the middle of the bus, refrigerators for snacks and beverages, and Wi-Fi connectivity—setting a new benchmark for comfort and convenience in public transport.

They are also fitted with an advanced Intelligent Transport System (ITS), featuring:
• Fleet vehicle tracking
• Driver and front-view monitoring
• Fuel management
• Trip logging and mileage tracking
• Vehicle maintenance records
See less

A new direct bus service connecting Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Nairobi, Kenya, has officially launched, a development expected to significantly enhance trade, business, and tourism between the two East African nations. As reported by the BBC, Abyssinia Luxury Coach inaugurated the cross-border service on Sunday, August 3, 2025, marking a pivotal step in overland connectivity.

This new route addresses the rising cost of air travel and limited ground alternatives, offering a more affordable and comfortable option for travellers and traders. The service is anticipated to reduce travel costs, directly facilitating increased movement of goods and people.

Experts believe the bus link will foster stronger economic integration, boosting cross-border trade in agricultural products, chemicals, and other commodities. Furthermore, it is poised to stimulate tourism by making travel between the two vibrant capitals more accessible, encouraging cultural exchange and strengthening people-to-people ties. This initiative underscores the deepening bilateral relationship and shared economic aspirations of Ethiopia and Kenya.

Departure time

The bus departs Nairobi at 4:00 AM and arrives in Moyale the following morning. Passengers rest until immigration services open at 8:00 AM.

After clearing immigration, the journey continues through southern Ethiopia, passing through towns such as Yabelo, Bule Hora, Dilla, and Hawassa, before arriving in Addis Ababa around 1:00 PM

Ticket cost

7,500 Kenyan shillings (approximately 16,000 Ethiopian birr) for a one-way trip.

TANZANIA Zambia Railways Authority has sued Likili Motorways Limited seeking over compensation after the company’s bus caused an accident after failing to give way at a railway level crossing.

The freight and passenger services firm seeks payment of a total of K2,925,137.31 and an additional US$698.316, in full cost of replacement of the damaged wagon and repair of the damaged locomotives.

TAZARA also seeks payment of damages for breach of statutory duty.

In a statement of claim filed in the Lusaka High Court, TAZARA, which operates as a railway company in both Zambia and Tanzania, has cited Likili Motorways Limited as defendant.

The plaintiff submits that on July 2, 2023, its train number M22 departed from Kapiri Mposhi train station about 12:38 hours.

“Approximately at 13:09 hours, the plaintiff’s train was approaching the highway level crossing between Mpika and Sabwa Kabila section, the train collided with the defendant’s bus registration number BBC 3955,” the document reads.

The bus explorer had a epic journey from Lilongwe to Lusaka. It’s one straightforward bus ride with nothing to even worry about. Passing through amazing scenery in the comfort of luxury coaches.

The journey passes through Namitete, Mchinji, Chipata, Nyimba, katete, luagwa, etc. Much of it spend in Zambia the Malawi side it’s just two hours from Lilongwe to the border. In Chipata you should expect a longer recess stop and use the opportunity to buy some warm food and snacks.

There are only two bus operators serving the route i.e Kobs bus service and United Bus Zambia (UBZ).  Both run on select days, for tickets it’s highly recommended to purchase in advance as they get full occasionally and especially during holiday seasons.

Bus operators

Kobs bus service: it’s the pioneer of the Lilongwe – Lusaka route serving it for the past two decades. They offer a daily service between the two cities. Their buses are easy to identify, written in bold red colour “Zambia-Malawi”, they are of semi luxury type with 2×2 & 2×3 seating arrangements. There are no bathrooms on board, but there are at least one or 2 lengthy rest stops for food and bathroom breaks.

United Bus Zambia (UBZ): it’s a super luxury coach service offering a thrice weekly service between the two capital cities. Available from Lilongwe on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. From Lusaka available on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Facilities available on board are Usb charging points, reclining seats, toilet, Air conditioning, seat beats, entertainment, etc

Mchinji/Mwami Border post

The bus will drop you off right outside the entrance to the border facility. It is a single immigration hall for leaving Malawi and entering Zambia. You do not need to take any possessions off the bus, all you need is your passport. The bus takes a list of everyone on it and waits for everyone crossing the border to finish their formalities.

At the border, roughly a third to half of all passengers get off and don’t get back on, meaning you might have a bit more space to spread out.

What you need

• Vaild passport.
• Visa depending on your passport.
• Book your tickets in advance.
• Yellow fever and malaria vaccine. (not mandatory)
• Be on time both buses are know for time punctuality.

The industry likes to emphasise that, unlike buses, it receives no subsidies from government – but when will the authorities take them on for their mafia-style behaviour?

SA’s 250 000-odd minibus taxis are a blessing or curse, depending on whether you’re a passenger or simply sharing the same road. They’ve rewritten the rules of the road to serve themselves and have made traffic lights irrelevant.

No one seems willing to take them on, bar the odd metro police officer looking for a “Coke”.

The courts have tried in vain to bring law and order to the gangster-controlled highway between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town, where taxi operators have shot at, intimidated, and threatened passengers using competing bus services such as Intercape.

When will the Competition Commission investigate the taxi industry? asks Donald MacKay, CEO of XA Global Trade Advisors.

Intercape CEO Johann Ferreira told Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police two weeks ago that his company has lodged 200 cases with the police, including charges of murder, intimidation and extortion by the taxi associations, yet the police have virtually nothing to show for it.

The police claimed in the same meeting that 11 arrests had been made in connection with the charges, but so far there is little evidence of this.

Meanwhile, Intercape has lost R30 million in revenue over suspended services, spent R3 million on private security, incurred R5.5 million in repairs and damages costs, and spent R420 000 on medical bills for injured passengers.

MacKay points out that in 2017 the Competition Commission held a market inquiry into the taxi industry and found:

Read full article from moneyweb.co.za

Spanish bus bodybuilder Sunsundegui has ceased trading, following the culmination of the winding up process initiated in September last year, despite a reported order backlog of over 500 vehicles. Founded in 1956 and with some 340 employees, the company had seen financial troubles in its recent history, leading to its declaration of insolvency. Around €39.9m was owed to banking institutions, and €8.9m to suppliers.

During May the Mercantile Court in Pamplona approved the collective and back-dated dismissal of the company’s 320 employees from 16 May, citing lack of viable business continuity, insufficient revenues, and ongoing losses as reasons for approving the request from the insolvency administrator, whilst 18 members of staff  remained on the company’s books to support the asset liquidation process.

According to the appointed administrator, the company’s organisational inefficiencies and technical limitations were compounded by a lack of liquidity. Hopes had been raised that Belgian industrial conglomerate the Dumarey Group – which acquired the ailing Woodall Nicholson business in the UK in 2023, parent company to Treka and Mellor – would invest to secure the company’s future, but that offer ultimately did not materialise, whilst the situation was worsened by the cancellation of a manufacturing partnership with Volvo to produce its 9700 and 9900 models by the Swedish manufacturer, which instead switched production of its 9700 to Mexico. Volvo cited excessive cost, including the requirement for additional investment, and complexity as a reason for the change, which it said could no longer be profitable.

Buses do operate between Nairobi, Kenya, and Johannesburg, South Africa. The journey is a long one, spanning about 4473 kilometres and typically takes a few days. One needs to use four buses across the five nation journey.

Buses normally make short 10-30 minutes breaks after a few hours of continuous travel to allow passengers use bathrooms, stock up on snacks and let bus attendants and the driver have rest. Some  buses have onboard toilets and the second driver. Nevertheless, usually they still make en route stops for a quick lunch or fuel refill.

The journey starts from Nairobi at BM coaches offices located along Duruma Road. It passes through Namanga, Arusha, Dar es salaam, Nakonde, Lusaka, Namanga, Francistown, etc. The final destination is at 156 Prichard Street, Johannesburg, South Africa.

I have included departure times and prices fares as of 19 May 2025. Bus schedules & fares are subject to change without notice. As you embark on this adventure I strongly recommend one to check with the bus operators for specific schedules, booking information, and any potential stopover locations.

Nairobi to Dar es salaam.

I recommend using BM coaches; it’s a top luxury and reliable operator, having both day (05:30) and night (19:30) service. Their Nairobi offices are located along River road and arrival in Nairobi is at Magufuli bus terminals. Their phone number for more information is +254726285349.

This journey is 821 kilometres and takes about 12 to 15 hours. The bus ticket costs ksh4500/ USD34. Snacks and refreshments are served on board. Amenities inside the bus include Reclining seats and a wash on board.

Other bus options available there are Kidia one express, Tahmeed coaches and sr Classic coaches.

Dar es Salaam to Tunduma

The second bus for the journey I strongly recommend ABC upper class coaches from Dar es Salaam to Tunduma Border Post. Departure point is at Magufuli bus terminals. Their office numbers for further enquiries on up to date information +255222221881

The distance is 905 kilometres, with an estimated travel time of sixteen hours. The bus leaves in the evening at 19:00 and arrives in the morning of the following day at 11:00. The VIP class fare is Tsh70000/ USD25 and the semi luxury coach costs Tsh63000/USD23. The main difference is that the VIP class coach has a toilet, snacks and refreshments are served on board.

Nakonde to Lusaka

Once you are done with the border process. You will find buses directly to Lusaka. Be advised once you are in Zambia you must change your time zone. Most countries in Southern Africa use CAT/GMT+2.

The journey is definitely a long one covering a distance of 1020 kilometres. I strongly recommend using Royal Africa luxury. Their ticket fare is K555/USD20, for enquires their whatsapp number is +260970356108. Royal Africa luxury has a number of super luxury coaches which travel from Lusaka to Nakonde and other parts of Zambia. They have a twice daily service to Lusaka with departure times at 05:00 and 11:30. These coaches have TVs and reclining seats – great for long distance travel comfort. Refreshments are available on board. The coaches have sufficient ventilation with sliding windows. They have experienced drivers and a well trained bus crew.

Their buses are economy class so it depends on which coach they use on that particular day. Some have a toilet on board, some don’t. Ensure you buy enough snacks for the road, warm food can be brought at recess points.

Zambia is a safe nation, you shouldn’t be worried about anything and the roads are smooth with few bumps in between. Once you arrive in Lusaka I strongly recommend you get a guest house or Bed and breakfast hotel to get some proper sleep after covering almost 1900 kilometres and spending the last three days travelling in different buses.

The other bus companies that serve the route are Power tools, Likili motorways, Jonda bus service, Shalom bus, etc.

Lusaka to Johannesburg

Finally the last mile of the journey you have passed halfway already. I can definitely assure you that all buses from Lusaka are luxurious and offer seamless travel to your final destination.

I strongly recommend Likili Motorways. The journey covers a distance of 1727 kilometres through Botswana. The ticket cost of Likili Motorways is K1500/USD53. The service to Johannesburg is available on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, departure time from 04:00 at Lusaka Intercity bus terminals. Their office whatsapp number for further information is +260776557235. All their coaches for this route have a  toilet on board, reclining seats, entertainment on board, USB ports for charging mobile devices, wifi on select coaches. Food is also served on board including refreshments.

You will transit through Botswana. Depending on your passport please ensure you have processed your visa requirements online. If you plan to apply at the border post you will definitely delay the entire bus.

Immigration formalities

Travellers are advised to make sure you have processed all necessary visa requirements in advance. Kindly make sure your passport validity is not less than six months and have at least four blank pages.

From Nairobi to Johannesburg your passport will get stamped eight times at the following border posts:

• Namanga border posts (Kenya & Tanzania)
• Tunduma Border post (Tanzania)
• Nakonde border post (Zambia)
• Kazungula border posts (Zambia & Botswana)
• Martin drift border post (Botswana)
• Globers border post (South Africa)

NB: some of the borders are “One stop border posts” (OSBP) so they both use the same name.

Vaccinations

Most countries have relaxed vaccination requirements. But some border health and immigration officials still take advantage of it and ask you for your vaccination cards as a means to extort some funds from travellers. It’s better to be organised & not be taken by surprise when asked. Especially for Kenyans ensure you carry the following vaccination cards/book

• Covid-19
• Yellow fever
• Cholera

Travel advisory

• Book your bus tickets online in advance, space enough time between your buses in the evident of any delay.
• Keep enough local funds for use during recess stops. No all place will accept card payments.
• Keep valuables safe with you at all times. Put your luggage were you can see it.
• Don’t accept food and beverage items from strangers.

On the 5th of May 2025 Irizar the Spanish bus and coach manufacturer officially launched the Irizar i6s efficient version in South Africa. In a colourful ceremony that was well attended by bus operators and bus spotters from across the rainbow nation.

Whats so special about the Irizar i6S efficient apart from the non visible big mirrors in front? Here is what Irizar has mentioned on their website as the key selling points.

Irizar i6S, the most efficient coach in the history of Irizar:

Consumption and emissions have been reduced up to 13%, weight is down to 950 kg and the aerodynamic coefficient is 30% lower.

Aerodynamic coefficient improved by 30%

Excellent aerodynamic performance is the key to this new generation of coaches. Part of the front of the vehicle and roof has been modified. Furthermore, the Irizar i6S Efficient has the option to replace the rear view mirrors with digital vision cameras with the two-fold goal of providing wide-angle vision in any weather conditions. These modifications provide improvements in the driver’s direct and indirect field of vision.

Weight reduction up to 950 kg

Another major challenge was reducing weight. High strength steel and lighter composite materials were used instead of traditional structural materials.

Maximum comfort in the travel experience

Thanks to those innovations we’ve been able to increase the space for passengers to improve ergonomics and comfort. We’ve also reduced noise and vibrations to the minimum.

The cockpit has likewise been redesigned to be more comfortable and ergonomic and have a larger field of vision. The new line of Hispacold climate control devices is more compact, efficient and lighter.

That lets us make the travelling experience in this new Irizar as comfortable as possible

Passenger safety is our top priority

Avoiding problems on the road is a demand for Irizar vehicles. All Irizar models comply with passive safety regulations and have the most modern active safety systems to guarantee stability and minimise risks in unforeseen circumstances.

https://

Confirmed operators

So far its only Intercape bus company that has purchased an irizar i6s efficient as confirmed by Irizar Southern Africa on their own Facebook page. No information yet is available with regards to their order book who are the other customers as more coaches are confirmed to on the ship coming to South Africa.

Photos from the launch ceremony

The Road Transport and Safety Agency -RTSA- says it will NOT issue Road Service Licences for new public service buses, without seat belts.

RTSA Public Relations Officer, CHILUFYA MWELWA says all new buses entering the country are required to have seatbelts installed before their road service licences can be issued.

Ms MWELWA says for public buses already in the country, the agency has given a 3-years grace period.

However, some bus drivers, spoken to, are worried that the introduction of seatbelts in public buses will reduce the number of seats.

Seat belts are crucial in reducing the risk of fatalities and severe injuries during bus accidents. Studies consistently show that seat belts can decrease the severity of injuries by keeping passengers securely seated during collisions.

Benefits of Wearing Seatbelts in Public Transit

Wearing seatbelts in public transit offers significant benefits, not only enhancing individual safety but also contributing to broader public health goals. When passengers wear seatbelts, the risk of severe injuries during accidents is greatly reduced. In the event of a collision or sudden stop, a seatbelt can prevent passengers from being thrown from their seats, which is a common cause of major injuries in transit accidents.

Beyond protecting individuals, increased seatbelt usage in public transit has larger implications for public safety and healthcare costs. By mitigating the severity of injuries, seatbelts help reduce the demand for emergency services and hospitals, which in turn lowers healthcare expenditures related to traffic accidents. Moreover, promoting a culture of safety through seatbelt advocacy in public transit can encourage more widespread seatbelt use across all modes of transportation, making our communities safer and more resilient.

Challenges and Solutions

The agency will face several challenges when it comes to implementing and enforcing seatbelt use, from the logistical hurdles of retrofitting older vehicles with new safety features to overcoming passenger apathy toward wearing seatbelts. Despite these obstacles, innovative solutions and targeted campaigns are making significant strides in increasing awareness and compliance among passengers.

One effective approach has to be educational campaigns that highlight the real-life benefits of seatbelt use, paired with visible signage in vehicles reminding passengers to buckle up. Some operators should adopt a technology-based solutions, such as seatbelt reminder systems that alert passengers if their seatbelt is not fastened. These efforts need to be supplemented by community engagement initiatives where authorities collaborate with local organizations and schools to promote a culture of safety.