A Transporting Experience

A pedestrian passes a colorful car rapide, with her image reflected in the windshield of a modern Chinese brand King Long bus. Authorities plan to phase out cars rapide by late 2018.

A passenger looks out the window of a car rapide as a horse cart passes in Dakar, Senegal. (R. Shryock/VOA)

Moussa Sock has been driving a car rapide for nearly 20 years. The Senegalese government plans to train car rapide drivers and apprentices to operate newer buses. (R. Shryock/VOA)

Driver Saliou appears in the mirror of his minibus. Its interior has typical decorations, such as pictures of Senegalese religious leaders and plastic flowers. (R. Shryock/VOA)

Christina, at center, say she prefers to travel by cars rapide, calling them faster than bigger and more modern buses. (R. Shryock/VOA)

Among passengers on their mobile phones and clutching prayer beads, an apprentice stands at the back holding money he has collected as fares. (R. Shryock/VOA)

An apprentice hangs off the back of a minibus, directing passengers and taking payments for rides. (R. Shryock/VOA)

Passengers look out the window of a car rapide as an Indian-made Tata passes in Dakar, Senegal. (R. Shryock/VOA)

The car rapide has become a symbol for Senegal's capital, but the government plans to park them for good by late 2018 to modernize transportation and ease pollution. (R. Shryock/VOA)

Urban transport officials say Dakar residents need updated transportation options, but some still prefer colorful minibuses to their bigger, modern rivals. (R. Shryock/VOA)

Passengers ride in a car rapide in Dakar, Senegal. (R. Shryock/VOA)

A passenger sits below a photo of a local religious leader. Drivers and owners decorate minibuses with photos of these 'marabouts,' reflecting which Muslim brotherhood they belong to in Senegal. (R. Shryock/VOA)

Neyoo Diallo paints cars rapide, the iconic minibuses that barrel down Dakar's roadways. The decorations have evolved over the years and have cultural significance. (R. Shryock/VOA)

An Indian-made Tata passes a car rapide in Dakar, Senegal. Authorities are planning to retire the colorful minibuses by late 2018. (R. Shryock/VOA)