Mozambique has taken a major step toward modernising its urban mobility system with the launch of a new intermodal public transport service connecting the cities of Maputo and Matola. The initiative, led by the Minister of Transport and Logistics, João Matlombe, was officially launched yesterday in the city of Matola. The pilot phase, set to run for 60 days, features 15 buses, each with a capacity of 90 passengers. These buses will link passengers to key railway stations along the Ressano Garcia line operated by Portos e Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique (CFM) including Matola Gare, Machava and Maputo Central Station.
At Matola Gare station, buses will operate during peak hours to and from the neighbourhoods of Tchumene, the third roundabout of the ring road and Uamatibwana. At Daniel station, routes will serve Malhapwene, Tsalala and Khobe. Meanwhile, passengers travelling through Machava station will benefit from connections to Socimol, Bedene and Patrice Lumumba. In central Maputo, buses will link the main train terminal with Praça dos Combatentes and Museu.
During a visit to the Aga Khan Academy in Matola, President Daniel Chapo welcomed the launch, affirming government commitment to improving transport infrastructure in the Greater Maputo area. “The intermodal transport system between Maputo and Matola has been officially launched today. We will continue to work towards better transport conditions for our citizens,” said Chapo.
Minister Matlombe emphasised that the project is designed to put passengers at the heart of public transport planning. “This initiative seeks to create an integrated system that serves the citizen with coordinated schedules, unified ticketing, accessible infrastructure and modern management systems,” noted Matlombe.The system relies on integrated electronic ticketing, allowing passengers to use a rechargeable card for both bus and train services, validated electronically per trip.
If successful, this pilot will serve as a blueprint for broader modal integration across the Maputo metropolitan area and eventually, other urban centres throughout the country. The initiative represents a significant move toward a more efficient, sustainable and citizen-focused model of urban mobility.
