MAPUTO, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- A groundbreaking ceremony for a China-built Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project was held Thursday in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, with Mozambican Minister of Transport and Logistics Joao Matlombe laying the foundation stone for the project.
Matlombe said in his remarks that the project is aimed at improving traffic conditions along major transport corridors in the metropolitan area, easing congestion, reducing travel time for residents, and promoting a safer, more efficient and sustainable urban public transport system.
The project is expected to carry about 125,000 passengers per day once completed, he said, adding that its construction will also create a large number of direct and indirect jobs, with priority given to young people and women from communities along the route.
Zou Bing, deputy general manager of the Mozambique Branch of China Henan International Cooperation Group, said the project includes the construction of more than 20 km of BRT roads, stations and related information systems.
The company will organize construction in accordance with high standards and quality requirements to ensure the project is completed on schedule and with high quality, Zou said, adding that it is expected to be completed in 2028.
According to the project plan, about 120 electric buses are expected to be put into operation during the initial phase, while intelligent transport systems including electronic ticketing, automatic vehicle location and real-time passenger information services will also be introduced. ■