Transport in Madagascar

Madagascar has no proven nationwide integrated public transport and ticketing system. Transport choices depend strongly on the city, provider, road condition, season and destination. In Antananarivo, taxi-be shared minibuses are the main form of public transport, but lines, stops, fares, coordination, accessibility and safety vary between private providers and cooperatives. Tuk-tuks are particularly relevant in Toamasina and Mahajanga, while cyclopousse services are used in Toliara. Taxis and taxi-moto services provide additional local options. Road travel connects the main population centres through national roads such as RN and RNS corridors, but the network is not dense. Secondary roads can become difficult during seasonal rain, and a four-wheel-drive vehicle may be needed outside the main corridors. Taxi-brousse is the dominant long-distance road service; departure times, prices, vehicle conditions and travel duration depend on the provider and journey. Night travel carries additional accident and security risks because of unlit vehicles and possible attacks. Rail service is regionally limited. The Fianarantsoa–Côte Est railway, known as FCE, connects Fianarantsoa and Manakara over about 163 kilometres, with approximately 17 intermediate stations and a journey that commonly takes 8 to 10 hours. Availability and departure times depend on the provider. The northern railway network associated with Madarail does not have reliably confirmed nationwide scheduled passenger service in the available current evidence. Domestic flights connect selected cities, with airports and aerodromes regulated by the ACM. Maritime and river services offer functional alternatives on some coastal, island and river connections; the APMF regulates ports, maritime and inland-waterway safety. Weather and seasonal conditions can affect these services. Current prices and schedules should therefore be checked with the relevant provider, station, airport or port rather than assumed from a national timetable. The Ministry of Transport and Meteorology sets national transport policy. The Agence des Transports Terrestres, or ATT, handles land transport matters and examinations, while communes and regional authorities manage local traffic arrangements. Madagascar's traffic code applies on public roads. Motor vehicle drivers need a driving licence, and non-motorised vehicles may require the applicable authorisation. Vehicles drive on the right. Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or psychotropic substances is prohibited, and drivers must follow instructions from uniformed or clearly identified control officers. Driving licence examinations are handled by the Ministry of Transport, while issuance is handled by the Ministry of the Interior. The stated examination fee is 10,000 Ariary for categories A, A' and B and 15,000 Ariary for categories C, D and E; the application fee is stated as 38,000 Ariary. Fees and procedures can change, so they should be verified before payment. Recognition of a foreign licence or international driving permit should also be confirmed in advance. Walking remains a major short-distance option in towns and rural areas, including in Antananarivo, but pavements, crossings and lighting are inconsistent. Cycling is mainly informal and local; protected cycling infrastructure and a nationwide cycling system are not evidenced. Mixed traffic, theft, heat and poor surfaces affect its practicality. Walking and cycling can reduce emissions, as can shared public transport, but safety and infrastructure limitations restrict their use. Transport also contributes to congestion, exhaust emissions, noise, dust, fuel consumption and erosion of roads and coastal areas.