Gaza transport sector faces collapse as 70% of bus fleet stops operating

Anwar Abu Elba, head of the Bus Owners Syndicate in the Gaza Strip, has warned of an imminent and total collapse of the public transportation sector. Approximately 70% of the total bus fleet is currently out of service, with the remaining 30% decreasing by an estimated 2% to 3% daily.

The decline is attributed to a complete paralysis in the entry of essential supplies, including tires, oils, and spare parts, due to restrictions on the Gaza Strip. Furthermore, widespread destruction of roads and infrastructure has forced drivers to navigate rubble and dirt tracks, accelerating vehicle wear and tear. To maintain minimal service, companies have resorted to ‘forced dismantling,’ where parts are taken from partially broken buses to repair others.

The crisis is severely impacting vital sectors. The education sector faces a massive deficit; while over 450 large buses previously operated, only 50 to 60 remain to serve students. Additionally, medical staff and service workers are facing extreme overcrowding, with buses designed for 50 passengers often carrying between 85 and 90 people. Many workers have been forced to extend their shifts from 8 to 12 hours due to the inability to travel safely at night.