August is marked by high mobility on national roads, largely driven by the ‘famadihana’ (exhumation) ceremonies. The National Road No. 7 (RN7) is particularly busy, accounting for 51.9% of travelers departing from the main bus stations in Antananarivo. In response to this surge, the Land Transport Agency (ATT) has stepped up its inspections.
More than 6,460 passengers leave the capital’s main bus stations daily. On the RN7, the most popular destinations include Ambatolampy, Faratsiho, Antsirabe, Ambositra, Fianarantsoa, and Toliara. On average, vehicles carry between 17 and 20 passengers and are frequently fully booked during this period.
The high demand has led to an increase in requests processed by the ATT, which is currently handling about 300 requests per day, compared to the usual hundred. Special authorizations are granted for occasional trips or to reinforce routes when available ‘taxis-brousse’ (bush taxis) are insufficient.
Simultaneously, the ATT is intensifying its crackdown on illegal transport. Checkpoints have been set up at the exits of national roads to verify administrative documents, operating licenses, and authorized passenger capacity. Vehicles found in violation may be impounded.
In the Vakinankaratra region, private bus stations are also being utilized to supplement public infrastructure. Toky Rahaingo, Director of Operations, Controls, and Road Safety, emphasized the need for everyone to respect the Highway Code, urging increased vigilance during this period of high mobility.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-12 06:08:52 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/trafic-les-deplacements-sintensifient.html