Algiers – Algeria’s Minister of Transport, Mohamed El Habib Zahana, announced on Thursday that the government is committed to modernizing the national bus fleet through locally manufactured vehicles. This initiative aims to strengthen the transportation sector while supporting the country’s industrial capabilities.
During a public session in the National People’s Assembly (APN), chaired by deputy president Rachid Zain and attended by Minister for Relations with Parliament, Bassma Azouar, and several government officials, Zahana emphasized the role of domestic vehicle production in this effort. The Automotive Development Company, affiliated with the military industries sector, has presented detailed plans for three new bus models to be manufactured locally, along with the provision of spare parts to ensure long-term sustainability and performance.
Efforts to Address Traffic and Public Transport Issues in Algiers
Responding to a question regarding the regulation of public and private transport services in Algiers, Zahana explained that the Transport Directorate of Algiers is working to reorganize and redistribute bus routes to better balance supply and demand. This is part of a broader strategy to ease traffic congestion in the capital.
In coordination with the Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure, the transport ministry is also expanding the metro network towards the western and southern parts of Algiers. Additionally, efforts are underway to revive the project for an intelligent traffic management system and traffic control center, aimed at optimizing the flow of vehicles. A new multi-modal bus terminal in Bir Mourad Rais is also set to open, which will reduce the entry of inter-city buses traveling from the western regions into the eastern parts of the capital, alleviating traffic congestion.
Urban Mobility Plans for Major Cities
Zahana revealed that the ministry has launched a study to develop a mobility plan for 10 provinces, including Algiers. This plan aims to enhance the daily lives of citizens by improving the movement of people, goods transportation, and traffic management, along with better parking solutions.
To address the transportation needs of major urban hubs, the Transport Directorate of Algiers has implemented an emergency plan in collaboration with local authorities. This initiative involves 130 private-operated bus routes and the allocation of 45 routes to the ETUSA public transport company, which will operate 205 buses to meet rising public demand.
Challenges in Infrastructure Development
In response to a question about the construction of a major bus terminal in Boumerdes, Zahana acknowledged that several obstacles have delayed the project, including the selection of unsuitable land. He assured that the terminal will be built as soon as a suitable site is secured.
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Author: nor-eleslam
Local manufacturing to power Algeria’s transport modernization efforts
