Albania public transport fleet reduced by up to 30%

Public transport operators in Albania have announced a 20% to 30% reduction in their bus fleets, effective September 1. This decision is driven by high operational costs and rising fuel prices, which are among the highest in the region.

Transport associations, including the National Association of Urban Transport and the Association of Urban and Interurban Transport, state that the reduction is a direct result of the government's failure to provide promised fuel compensations. Operators have requested that the government and the Municipality of Tirana intervene urgently by extending anti-crisis packages and fuel subsidies for at least another three months.

Dashnor Mema, head of the Transport Association, noted that while previous compensations were discussed, no official communication or subsequent payments have been received to cover the increased costs. The reduction in vehicles is expected to cause longer waiting times at stations, increased overcrowding, and general chaos for commuters, particularly in Tirana.