Summary:

On 7 November 2024, a group of passengers protested in the train station in Kalaa Kebira, Sousse, blocking a train to Gabes to call attention to the cancellation of a previous train going to Tunis without prior notice. 

Protestors also decried the poor conditions of train travel due to overcrowding, delays and failure to offer sufficient trips per day. 

Passengers also confirmed their intention to send a letter to the President Kais Saied, the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Transport. 

A day later, a fire started in the engine of a train between Tunis and Sousse near Bouargoub, Nabeul, which led to delays but did not result in injuries. 

Outlook: 

These recent issues in the public transport sector highlight the lack of public transport networks between cities. They also point to the poor condition of the aging infrastructure that does exist including trains, metro cars, and the tracks on which they run.  

Frustration with the condition of public transport is growing, leading to more public displays of dissatisfaction with the intent of attracting the attention of senior officials.  

The poor condition of trains and railways previously caused dangerous accidents, including the overturn of a train resulting in two deaths and 30 injuries in June 2023. Efforts to modernize and systematize maintenance regimes will be necessary to improve public confidence in the transport system.    

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