Transportation
Transform the National Transportation Sector
We will revolutionize how people and goods move across The Gambia
OUR MISSION
The National Builders Party (NBP) envisions a fully integrated, safe and efficient transportation system that will revolutionize how people and goods move across The Gambia. The current state of public transportation in the country is limited, unreliable and highly informal. The outdated methods of transportation have over the years hindered economic activity, burdens citizens with high travel costs and restricts regional connectivity.
To address this, the NBP proposes a comprehensive national transportation overhaul, a mega infrastructure project that focuses on modernizing public transit, connecting rural and urban regions and investing in air, land and water-based mobility solutions. The initiative will promote economic growth, tourism and public access to services such as health, education and commerce.
OUR PLAN
Key Objectives of the Transportation Reform Program:
Create a Nationwide Public Bus Network
The government will establish a National Public Bus Authority (NPBA) to oversee the operation, maintenance, and expansion of a fleet of modern, fuel-efficient and electric buses. Buses will serve both intra-city routes (within towns and cities) and inter-city routes (connecting different regions). Emphasis will be placed on affordability, accessibility and reliability, with specific policies to ensure underserved rural areas receive adequate service.
Construction of Modern Bus Terminals in Major Towns and Cities
A good number of modern bus terminals will be built nationwide. Each terminal will include:
- Covered waiting areas
- Electronic ticketing and scheduling systems
- Retail kiosks and washroom facilities
- Designated pick-up and drop-off zones
Major hubs will be established in Banjul, Brikama, Serrekunda, Tallinding, Tabokoto, Gunjur, Sanyang, Brufut, Ynudum, Bwiam, Mandinaba, Farafenni, Soma, Bansang, Basse, Janjanbureh and other district towns.
National Bus Fleet
- The government will procure a large fleet of standard and mini-buses from trusted international manufacturers.
- All buses will be branded under a national transit identity, equipped with safety features, comfortable seating, GPS tracking and route signage.
- Local mechanics and service technicians will be trained to maintain and service the fleet.
Build a Domestic Airport in Basse area (Upper River Region)
The construction of a modern domestic airport in Basse will reduce travel times between the eastern regions and the Greater Banjul Area thus promoting internal tourism, trade and healthcare access. The airport will meet regional and eventually international aviation standards to accommodate small to medium passenger aircraft and also be able to support cargo operations. The project will stimulate economic growth in URR and attract private sector investment in hospitality, logistics and aviation services.
Enhance River Transportation with Bridges and Modern Ferry Terminals
The government will build new ferry terminals and upgrade existing ones along the River Gambia to streamline river crossings and support inter-bank mobility. Special emphasis will be given to key connections such as:
- Niumi – Kombo
- Foni – Badibou through Kiang
Terminals will feature modern docking infrastructure, ticketing systems and safety measures.
Parallel to ferry development, the government will design and construct bridges in strategic locations thereby enabling uninterrupted road travel during all seasons and reducing dependence on ferries in certain areas.
Phased Implementation Plan
Phase 1: Planning and Procurement
- Finalize technical designs for bus terminals and ferry terminals.
- Identify land in each region for transportation infrastructure.
- Issue tenders for bus and ferry acquisition.
Phase 2: Construction and Deployment
- Begin simultaneous construction of priority terminals and the Basse Airport.
- Roll out buses on core national corridors with public awareness campaigns.
- Begin bridge and ferry terminal construction in major settlements.
Phase 3: Expansion and Integration
- Connect transportation systems to digital platforms for trip planning, mobile ticketing, and GPS route tracking.
- Expand services to cross-border routes to boost regional trade and ECOWAS integration.
IMPORTANCE
Social and Economic Impact of this mega undertaking
- Thousands of direct and indirect jobs in construction, operations, logistics, ticketing, and vehicle maintenance will be created.
- In terms of Mobility Access, affordable transportation will enhance access to education, healthcare and markets for both rural and urban populations alike.
- Better connectivity fosters national unity by reducing the divide between rural and urban regions.
- Improved transportation infrastructure will stimulate domestic tourism and facilitate foreign visitors’ movement across the country.
- It has been proven that organized transit systems reduce emissions compared to scattered individual vehicle use.
The transformation of The Gambia’s transportation sector is fundamental to the country’s long-term development. Through this ambitious initiative, the NBP will lay the groundwork for a modern, accessible and interconnected Gambia, where no region is isolated, where travel is safe and efficient and where