Physical Address
Indirizzo: Via Mario Greco 60, Buttigliera Alta, 10090, Torino, Italy
The Minister of Transport, Said Sayoud.
The government wants to put an end to the circulation of dilapidated buses which crisscross the roads of the country. To this end, the Minister of Transport, Said Sayoud, chaired, this Sunday, a high -level meeting devoted to the future of the Transport National Park. This was indicated yesterday a statement from the ministry, adding that the agenda was the implementation of the instructions of the President of the Republic relating to the gradual withdrawal of the dilapidated buses.
This meeting brought together the secretary general of the ministry, the director general of mobility and logistics, as well as the main union representatives of the sector, including the National Union of Transporters (UNAT), the National Organization of Algerian transporters and the National Federation of Transport of Travelers and goods (UGCAA), in the presence of several local directors.
At the heart of the discussions was the decision to withdraw from service, the buses exceeding thirty years of age. The Minister announced a two -step plan, initially providing for the abolition, within six months, of all buses over thirty, before expanding the device to withdraw the buses over twenty years. This operation “is part of a national strategy aimed at renewing the car fleet and guaranteeing a safe, modern and organized public transport service for the benefit of the citizen,” said the same source.
The union representatives welcomed the measures announced, while exhibiting several concerns that they deem essential to the success of the reform. In this regard, they highlighted the need for customs and tax exemptions history to facilitate the acquisition of new bus. At the same time, they pleaded for a revision of transport prices, believing that the economic balance of the sector depends on it. Their intervention also underlined a better qualification and organization of the work of drivers and control of their employment methods. Finally, they called for the implementation of drug tests to drivers.
Reacting to these proposals, the Minister expressed that the social partners remain a key player in the success of the current reforms. He recalled the importance of responsibility and transparency, warning against any exploitation of the situation and affirming that the interest of the citizen must remain absolute priority.
After having announced the modernization plan of the public transportation park, the Minister said that to support this transition, the carriers will benefit from tax incentives provided for by law to facilitate the acquisition of new bus or bus less than five years old, while local bus manufacturing will be encouraged with a view to supporting the national economy.
On the organizational level, the minister said that mixed committees will be set up to inspect buses in maintenance, internal state, seats and security, with issuance of an operating license only after validation of the official report.
At the same time, a joint working group, combining representatives of carriers will be instituted in order to deal with regulatory issues and provide effective solutions. Finally, a green number will be operational in terms of transport departments to allow citizens to report any offense.
Sayoud reaffirmed the determination of his department to rigorously and efficiently apply the instructions of the President of the Republic. He emphasized the importance of full coordination with the social partners to carry out an integrated plan, the objective of which is both the renewal of the national park and the guarantee of more safe, modern and organized public transport, at the service of the citizen and the nation.