Two hundred fifty free Foton buses will traverse Antananarivo and neighboring communes during Independence Day celebrations. Four departure points, multiple rotations, and dozens of served communes.

A massive transport operation is underway for the festivities. Two hundred fifty Foton buses will serve Antananarivo and surrounding communes on the evening of June 25, and throughout the morning and evening of June 26. These shuttles will provide free return transport for the public after the pyrotechnic show at Anosy this evening. Service resumes June 26 to pick up residents from peripheral communes wishing to attend the grand military parade at Mahamasina, then return them to their neighborhoods in the evening.

Vehicles will depart from four strategic points in the capital, with two rotations scheduled this evening: the first at 20:30 and the second at 21:30. Shuttles departing from Soarano station will pass through Antanimena - Ankorondrano - Marais Masay - Analamahitsy - to Sabotsy Namehana. Others will travel via Antanimena - Ambohimanarina - Ambohibao - Talatamaty, to Ivato. The third route covers Antanimena - Ankasina - Art Malagasy - Intersection Ambohitrimanjaka - Andranotapahina and Ambohidratrimo.

Other shuttles will depart from Ambohijatovo, serving the Ampasampito - Nanisana - Ambohimangakely - Ambohimalaza route. Users heading west can board these buses at ANS Ampefiloha. Shuttles from this departure point will serve Ankasina - Bemasoandro - Itaosy Cité and Anosibe - Anosizato - Ampitatafika - Fenoarivo. For the southern route, the departure point is Soanierana station. Buses will travel toward Tanjombato - Andoharanofotsy - Iavoloha, or via By-pass - Alasora (Domaine) - Ambohimanambola, or By-pass - Intersection Ambohijanaka - Iavoloha - Anjomakely, or By-pass - Ambohijanaka Village.

Buses will follow the same routes for both outbound and return journeys, allowing residents of neighboring communes to attend the parade on June 26 and return home peacefully after festivities. The first departure will be at 05:30 and the second at 06:30 in the morning. The same organization applies for the evening of June 26. Buses will wait at the same departure points as the previous day, with two return waves scheduled at 18:30 and 19:30.

The deployment of these public buses is highly appreciated by commuters. Despite a transporters' strike on Tuesday, everyone was able to return home thanks to these buses. "These buses are very practical, especially during peak hours, because they're large and can accommodate many people. Plus, the taxibe don't provide proper service. At 18:00, many stop working, while queues at terminals and stops remain very long," says Fitahiana Rabemanantsoa, who lives in Fenoarivo.

Miangaly Ralitera