Sotrama: the guide to public transport in Bamako

Instantly recognizable by their green paint job, **Sotrama** minibuses are by far the most-used mode of transport in Bamako, well ahead of taxis or personal cars. Understanding how they work is one of the first practical skills worth picking up for day-to-day life in the Malian capital.

> **In summary**
> - **Sotrama** = Société de Transport du Mali, the name given to the green minibuses seating 12 to 25 passengers that serve every neighborhood in Bamako.
> - **Fares**: fixed rates set by the state, generally between **150 and 350 FCFA** depending on distance traveled.
> - **Usage**: over 80% of Bamako residents use Sotrama for their daily commute — it's the most accessible and affordable mode of transport.
> - **How it works**: no posted route map — learning the system happens through practice or by asking fellow passengers.

## 1. What is a Sotrama?

The name Sotrama comes from "Société de Transport du Mali." In everyday language it now refers to the green-painted minibuses that criss-cross Bamako, with seating capacity ranging from 12 to 25 depending on the vehicle. These vehicles carry the bulk of the capital's public transport network, including in the most outlying neighborhoods where other modes of transport are less present.

## 2. Fixed, non-negotiable fares

Contrary to what some visitors assume, a Sotrama fare is **not negotiable**: rates are set by the state and vary only with distance traveled. In practice, trips generally cost between **150 and 350 FCFA**. As one example reported by the press, a trip from downtown to Samaya costs around 275 FCFA, while a shorter trip from Sébénikoro costs around 175 FCFA, and from Djicoroni Para around 150 FCFA.

## 3. How a trip actually works

There's no official map posted at stops, nor a widely used app for tracking routes. The practice relies largely on local experience and word of mouth:

- Sotrama run on relatively fixed routes, but these are called out by the apprenti (the driver's assistant), who hails passengers and announces the destination.
- You board while the vehicle is stopped or moving slowly, generally from the back.
- Payment is made in cash directly to the apprenti, during the trip.
- To get off, you let the apprenti or driver know with enough advance notice.

For a newcomer, the simplest approach is often to confirm with other passengers or nearby residents before boarding, especially for an unfamiliar route.

## 4. Sotrama, taxi, or moto: which to choose?

Sotrama remains the most economical option for everyday trips, but it involves frequent stops and limited comfort, especially at busy times. For a more direct, faster trip, or one at late hours, a taxi remains a common alternative in Bamako, at a noticeably higher fare negotiated case by case with the driver. A personal or rented moto is also a very common way to get around the capital, particularly for short trips within dense neighborhoods.

## 5. Practical points to watch

At peak hours, Sotrama can get particularly crowded, which raises real questions of comfort and security for valuables. It's advisable to keep personal belongings close and to have exact cash ready before boarding, since change isn't always easy to get during the trip.

## FAQ

### Can you negotiate a Sotrama fare?
No, rates are set by the state based on distance and are not negotiable, unlike taxi fares.

### Is there a map of Sotrama routes?
No widely distributed official map currently exists for the Sotrama network; knowledge of routes relies mainly on local practice and word of mouth.

### Do Sotrama run late at night?
Sotrama are mostly active during the day and early evening. For late-night trips, a taxi generally remains the more reliable option.

### How do you recognize a Sotrama?
Sotrama are easily identified by their green paint job, a color that immediately sets them apart from taxis and other transport vehicles.

Sources: [Wikipedia — Sotrama](https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sotrama), [Le360 Afrique — Sotrama, the heart of Bamako residents' transport](https://afrique.le360.ma/mali/societe/2016/10/25/6864-mali-la-sotrama-le-coeur-du-transport-interurbain-des-bamakois-6864/)