Riding Addis light rail: the two lines, where they meet, and what to check before you buy a ticket

The Addis Ababa Light Rail has two lines, and knowing the shape of the network saves time. The network as published: - East-West line: runs from Ayat to Tor Hailoch, about 17.4 km. - North-South line: runs from Minilik Square to Kality, about 16.9 km. - Both lines share a stretch of about 2.7 km in the city centre, between Lideta and Meskel Square. That shared central section is where you change between lines, so plan transfers around Lideta and Meskel Square. Fares: at launch in 2015-2016 reports said paper tickets cost 2, 4, 6 or 8 birr depending on the number of stations, and that the service was meant to be low-cost for lower-income riders. That is old information. The current fare, ticket type and any card system: check current rate at the station or on the Ethiopian Railways Corporation page. Before you rely on it: - Confirm current operating hours at the station. - Ask staff whether your stop is currently served. - Keep small change ready. How you use it matters more than the map. Which stations are easiest for transfers to buses or minibuses? How crowded is it at peak times? Is it reliable for your commute? Add what you know from riding it recently so newcomers get an honest picture.