Tunisian Transport Minister Rached Al-Amri has revealed that vandalism and attacks on public transport in the country have resulted in significant losses. According to Al-Amri, the losses have amounted to approximately TND 4 billion, affecting trains, metro, and buses. This substantial sum could have been allocated to improving infrastructure and upgrading services.
The impact of these attacks extends beyond financial losses, with 362 people injured in 2025 and 2026 alone. Al-Amri emphasized that the human cost of these incidents is particularly concerning. He noted that damage to public transport infrastructure not only incurs costs but also disrupts services, causing daily inconvenience to citizens who rely on timely transportation to their destinations.
The Minister highlighted that delays in public transport services, such as buses, trains, and metro lines, can have a ripple effect on citizens' daily lives. This is especially true for those traveling to hospitals or medical appointments, where timing is critical. Citizens from rural areas and other cities also face challenges when traveling to urban centers for various purposes.
Al-Amri stressed that the goal is to provide a safe and respectful public transport system that preserves citizens' dignity. He called for a collective effort from all stakeholders, including parents, educators, and media, to raise awareness among young people and reduce vandalism and attacks on public transport.
The Minister emphasized that maintaining public transport infrastructure is a shared responsibility. Improving service quality requires not only upgrading infrastructure and fleets but also promoting a culture of respect and protection for these facilities. This, in turn, ensures their continued role in serving the public.
Al-Amri noted that addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach, combining punitive measures with sustained awareness-raising efforts targeting various segments of society, particularly young people. By fostering a culture of respect for public property and promoting a sense of responsibility towards public transport, the government aims to mitigate this phenomenon.
The Tunisian government is working to address the vandalism and attacks on public transport through a combination of measures. The authorities are seeking to engage with local communities and promote a sense of ownership and responsibility among citizens. By working together, the government and citizens can help protect public transport infrastructure and ensure a safer, more reliable service for everyone.
Key points
- Vandalism and attacks on public transport in Tunisia have caused around TND 4 billion in losses.
- 362 people were injured in vandalism incidents in 2025 and 2026.
- The government is calling for a collective effort to raise awareness and prevent further vandalism and attacks on public transport.