Tunisia has received a second shipment of used French buses as part of efforts to address the escalating transport sector crisis.
The Ministry of Transport announced the arrival of 47 buses, including nine double-decker buses, at the port of Halq al-Wadi in the capital.
This second batch is part of a purchase agreement for 300 buses made by the “Transport de Tunis” company with the “Paris Autonomous Transport Authority,” costing about $5.1 million.
Tunisia received the first batch of 122 buses, including 39 double-deckers, last April.
Similar acquisition agreements for buses with the same supplier were signed by Tunisia in 2015, 2016, and 2017. The ministry states that these buses meet ecological standards.
A spokesperson for the ministry stated on Monday that the buses would be put into operation before Ramadan, following technical inspections and administrative procedures.
The financial crisis affecting the “Transport de Tunis” company and the state’s public finances has led to delays in acquisitions for several years amid the aging and deterioration of a significant portion of the bus fleet in the capital and major cities.
The Minister of Transport said that these buses are only a temporary and urgent solution to support the service, especially in high-density residential areas, pending the completion of investments related to new acquisitions.
The minister added that the ministry’s strategy is to enhance rail transport and extend its networks in urban areas and suburbs, as well as electric buses.
