• Algeria to import 10,000 buses, boost spare parts supply
• New traffic law to tighten licensing, mandate driver tests
• Measures follow 1,650 road accidents, 45 deaths in one week

The Algerian government announced a series of emergency measures on Tuesday, August 26, to modernize its transport sector and improve road safety.

The initiatives include the immediate import of 10,000 buses to replace the aging fleet and an intensive supply of spare parts, particularly tires. A new traffic law will soon be presented to the Council of Ministers, which will impose stricter requirements for obtaining a driver's license and mandate regular monitoring of drivers, including drug and psychotropic substance tests.

Civil liability for accidents will be expanded to include all parties involved, such as drivers, road managers, driving schools, and vehicle inspection centers.

These decisions follow a Civil Protection report that recorded 45 deaths and 2,258 injuries in 1,650 road accidents between August 17 and 23, 2025. The transport sector is in crisis due to an outdated bus fleet, with over half of the vehicles more than 20 years old, causing significant safety and comfort issues for passengers.

To address the problem, the government has launched several modernization initiatives, including a law that permits the import of buses less than five years old. Incentives have also been introduced to encourage the development of a local automotive industry and strengthen the national public transport network.

Recently, the country launched a plan to renew its national bus fleet. According to Transport Minister Said Sayoud, the first phase aims to replace 5,400 buses that are more than 30 years old within the next six months.

Ingrid Haffiny (Intern)