Tunisia's Transport Union Demands Emergency Plan Amidst Metro Tender Woes

Tunisia's public transport system is facing urgent calls for reform from the General Transport Federation, affiliated with the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT). The federation is demanding the immediate development of an emergency national plan to revitalize the sector.

Key demands include the renewal of the aging metro and rail fleet, significant enhancements to safety and service quality, and the recruitment of necessary personnel to operate and maintain the network. The federation stressed the critical need to address the deteriorating state of the railway system, which has been a growing concern for commuters.

A specific point of contention highlighted by the UGTT is a pending tender for 30 new metro train sets, a procurement valued at 495.5 million Tunisian dinars (approximately $160 million USD). The union's statement implies that delays or issues with this tender are symptomatic of broader problems hindering the necessary modernization and operational improvements within public transportation.