Although a Dakar-Casamance rail route might be lucrative, the railroad is not considering it at this time. While Senegal has a geographic advantage in being the westernmost country in Africa, problems such as high factor costs often mitigate any advantages it draws from its location. Plans appear to be progressing. They are the transport means of choice for many, especially petty traders who prefer to avoid the complications of crossing the Gambian border. Leaving Dakar on Tuesday and Friday evenings, and Ziguinchor on Thursday and Sunday afternoons, the trip usually takes from 13 to 15 hours.
Demand is so great that a second boat was recently launched.
The African queen and the Diola run on different days, and both boats are equipped to carry passengers in several classes, with all types of freight, including vehicles. For example, Senegal must give Air Afrique its international passenger and freight traffic rights, thus hindering other companies from breaking into the market. While Air Afrique remains the primary carrier of member states, when Air Afrique cannot provide the capacity, Senegal is permitted to look to other companies. Fortunately, this should change next year when ground support is supposed to be deregulated which would permit airlines to provide their own ground support. Nationally, Air Senegal has exclusive traffic rights, in addition to its rights to serve neighboring countries.