The Tunisian public transport sector has suffered significant damages due to vandalism over the past two years. According to Minister of Transport, Rashid Al-Amri, the total cost of damages to public transport, including trains, buses, and metro lines, has reached approximately 4 million dinars ($1.3 million) between 2025 and 2026. This issue was highlighted during the launch of the third edition of the Ministry of Transport's initiative to preserve public facilities.
The vandalism has not only affected the transport infrastructure but also the people working in the sector. Minister Al-Amri stated that a total of 362 individuals were affected during the same period. He expressed concern over the high number of incidents, emphasizing the risks they pose to the safety of workers and citizens, as well as the negative impact on the smooth operation of public transport and the overall economy.
The Minister of Transport called for a shift in focus from repairing damages to developing the sector and improving the quality of services provided to citizens. He stressed the importance of collaboration between various stakeholders, including families, educational institutions, civil society organizations, and relevant authorities, to educate and raise awareness among young Tunisians about the importance of preserving public transport.
Representatives from various ministries, including Interior, Education, Youth and Sports, Health, Religious Affairs, and Women's Affairs, emphasized the need for continued efforts to educate and sensitize young people about the importance of preserving public facilities. They proposed organizing meetings and discussions in schools and universities, dedicating Friday sermons to raising awareness about this issue, and increasing security patrols to prevent vandalism.
The participants also suggested establishing clubs in educational institutions to educate children and young people about the risks associated with vandalism against public transport. They proposed creating a national committee comprising various stakeholders to monitor and address the issue of vandalism against public facilities.
During the event, a video was screened highlighting the risks of throwing stones at trains, and the winners of competitions for the best awareness-raising drawing and audio-visual message were announced. These competitions aimed to educate young people about the dangers of vandalism and its consequences.
The Tunisian government is taking steps to address the issue of vandalism against public transport. The Ministry of Transport's initiative aims to promote a culture of preservation and respect for public facilities. By working together, the authorities hope to reduce the incidence of vandalism and ensure a safer and more efficient public transport system for all citizens.
Key points
- The Tunisian public transport sector suffered approximately $1.3 million in damages from vandalism between 2025 and 2026.
- A total of 362 individuals were affected by the vandalism during the same period.
- The government is promoting awareness and education among young people to prevent further incidents of vandalism.
