A transport strike severely affected travel in the Antananarivo metropolitan area yesterday. The movement was triggered by disputes over control measures implemented by the Urban Commune of Antananarivo (CUA).
Many residents faced significant difficulties reaching their workplaces, as buses were largely absent from major routes serving the capital and surrounding communes. Most transport operators observed the strike, and some drivers attempting to continue service were forced to stop under pressure from strikers.
“Due to the total absence of public transport today, I was unable to reach our office in Analakely after waiting for an hour and a half. With management’s approval, I was excused for the day, and I have committed to making up the lost hours in the coming days,” said Toky, a resident of Ambohimangakely. Other users reported significant delays, with some having to walk part of their commute after buses were stopped mid-route.
The protest also led to traffic disruptions, with roadblocks set up on several routes before demonstrators converged on the Analakely City Hall.
Transport operators are protesting, in particular, the high financial penalties for certain traffic infractions. Tsiry Andrianantenaina, a driver for line 147, stated: “On June 11, a municipal police officer confiscated my papers after a passenger boarded in traffic at Ambohijatovo. When I went to retrieve them at Anosipatrana, I was told to pay 280,000 ariary. I haven’t been able to work since, as I cannot raise that amount.”
Incidents were reported in front of City Hall, including stone-throwing that damaged a CUA vehicle. One protester was arrested, and security forces were deployed around the municipal building to contain the gathering.
The CUA stated that the recently implemented measures aim to ensure compliance with regulations, user safety, and public order, denying any financial motivation.
Following discussions between transport representatives, CUA officials, and government members, it was announced that no municipal police officer would be authorized to confiscate administrative documents until further notice. Consequently, several industry representatives announced a gradual resumption of services starting today.
To mitigate the strike’s impact, the state deployed buses recently imported from China. Seventeen lines were served between the city center and several peripheral communes, including Ivato, Fenoarivo-Atsimondrano, Alasora, and Ambohimalaza. These vehicles will continue to operate today, providing free service to the public.
Captured & Published at: 2026-06-24 06:00:28 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/06/mobilite-urbaine-la-greve-des.html