Colorful cars rapide represent an iconic mode of public transportation in Dakar, Senegal. But they're scheduled to be phased out of the congested West African capital city by December 2018, in favor of more modern, cleaner-running buses. Many will lament the vibrant minibuses' passing.
A Transporting Experience
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A pedestrian passes a colorful car rapide, with her image reflected in the windshield of a modern Chinese brand King Long bus. Authorities plan to phase out cars rapide by late 2018.
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A passenger looks out the window of a car rapide as a horse cart passes in Dakar, Senegal. (R. Shryock/VOA)
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Moussa Sock has been driving a car rapide for nearly 20 years. The Senegalese government plans to train car rapide drivers and apprentices to operate newer buses. (R. Shryock/VOA)
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Driver Saliou appears in the mirror of his minibus. Its interior has typical decorations, such as pictures of Senegalese religious leaders and plastic flowers. (R. Shryock/VOA)