A strike by transporters severely affected travel in the Antananarivo metropolitan area yesterday. The movement was triggered by protests against control measures implemented by the Antananarivo Urban Municipality (CUA). Many residents faced difficulties reaching their workplaces. Buses were nearly absent from the main routes serving the capital and surrounding municipalities. Most transporters observed the strike. A few vehicles that attempted to continue service were forced to stop under pressure from strikers.
"Due to a complete absence of public transport that day, I was unable to reach our office in Analakely after waiting an hour and a half. With management's approval, I was excused from work for the day. I am committed to making up these hours in the coming days," said Toky, a resident of Ambohimangakely. Other users reported significant delays. "I only arrived at the office at 11 a.m., when I normally start at 9 a.m. I waited for a bus for an hour before walking part of the way, as the vehicle was stopped en route," testified Soatiana.
The movement also caused traffic disruptions. Roadblocks were set up on several routes before protesters converged on Analakely town hall. Transporters are denouncing the amount of financial penalties applied to certain violations. "On June 11, a municipal police officer confiscated my papers after a passenger boarded my vehicle in traffic at Ambohijatovo. When I went to retrieve the documents at Anosipatrana, I was asked to pay 280,000 ariary. Since then, I haven't worked because I can't raise that amount," said Tsiry Andrianantenaina, a line 147 transporter.
Incidents were reported outside town hall. Stone-throwing damaged a CUA vehicle. One protester was arrested. Law enforcement was deployed around the municipal building to contain the gathering. The CUA stated that recently implemented measures aim to ensure regulatory compliance, user safety, and public order maintenance. It claims they have no financial objective.
Following discussions between transporter representatives, CUA officials, and government members, it was announced that no municipal police officer would be authorized to confiscate administrative documents until further notice. Subsequently, several sector representatives announced a gradual resumption of service from that day.
To limit the strike's impact, the State deployed buses recently imported from China. Seventeen routes were served between downtown and several surrounding municipalities, including Ivato, Fenoarivo-Atsimondrano, Alasora, and Ambohimalaza. According to available information, these vehicles will continue service today. Rides are free for users.