A group of commuters from Taghzout, a commune in northern Bouira province, Algeria, staged a protest on Thursday against a recent increase in transport fares on the Bouira-Taghzout line. The protesters gathered at the southern bus stop in Bouira city, demanding intervention from local authorities and the transport department to reverse the fare hike from 25 to 30 Algerian Dinar. The distance between Taghzout and Bouira is only 7 km, sparking concerns about the justification for the fare increase.
The protesters blocked the RN05 highway for a few minutes before security forces intervened. One of the protesters described the fare hike as "illogical" and "unacceptable," stating that the previous fare of 25 Algerian Dinar was already excessive. The protesters claimed that the transporters had not provided any prior notice or explanation for the fare increase. They also alleged that they had written to the transport department, which denied granting authorization for the hike.
The transport department later confirmed that the fare increase was indeed unauthorized. In response to the protest, the transporters launched an indefinite strike, demanding validation of the fare hike and rehabilitation of the Bouira-Taghzout road via Chaâbat Brahem. The transporters claimed that the route was longer than 7 km due to detours required to avoid degraded road sections.
A representative of the striking transporters stated that they had previously informed authorities about the road's condition but received only unfulfilled promises. The transporters argued that the round-trip distance was over 24 km and that the 30 Algerian Dinar fare was justified. The strike would continue until a project to rehabilitate the road was approved.
The transport department issued a communiqué announcing that the fare increase was "illegal" and that the ticket price remained at 25 Algerian Dinar. The department and the Taghzout municipality deployed additional buses to transport commuters while the crisis between users and transporters persisted.
The situation highlights the ongoing tensions between commuters and transporters in Algeria, with concerns about fare hikes and road conditions. The protest and strike have disrupted daily life for residents of Taghzout and surrounding areas. Efforts to resolve the issue are ongoing, with authorities working to find a solution that addresses the concerns of both parties.
The incident underscores the need for improved communication and collaboration between transporters, authorities, and commuters to address issues affecting public transportation services. The outcome of the situation will likely have implications for the region's transportation infrastructure and services.
Key points
- The Algerian transport department has deemed the fare increase "illegal" and reaffirmed the ticket price at 25 Algerian Dinar.
- Transporters have launched an indefinite strike, demanding validation of the fare hike and road rehabilitation.
- Commuters and authorities are working to find a resolution to the crisis affecting public transportation services in the region.
