We Announced It as “Imminent”: The TGM Line Resumed Yesterday (Friday, 20 February 2026) with a First Departure at 3:30 a.m. from Tunis‑Marine Station
Source: La Presse – 19 February 2026
Background
In our article dated 6 February – “Imminent Resumption of the TGM Line” – we described the state of this key transport corridor and the disruptions that have plagued it for almost three years.
The Bet on Frequencies
Residents of the northern suburbs are delighted to see their blue train back on the tracks. The joy, however, is tempered by the restrictions that accompanied the announcement of the restart, which do not fully reassure commuters.
All technical services on the network have been carried out according to best practice: every required test and trial was performed, and safety conditions on the line (track stability, signalling, etc.) were verified.
Unfortunately, the service will not run as it did before. For the time being, the headway will be 45 minutes.
Why the Reduced Frequency?
- Single‑track operation on the section between Le Bac station and Tunis‑Marine (≈ 13 km).
- Under normal conditions this stretch was covered in about 10 minutes.
- With a single track, trains must wait for the opposite‑direction train to clear the section, effectively doubling or even tripling travel time.
If all technical equipment were fully operational, a 6‑minute headway could be achievable.
According to officials, ongoing works—particularly on another bridge and additional safety‑related upgrades—are still preventing double‑track operation. They assure, via a private radio channel, that everything will be done to provide optimal transport conditions for users.
Listening to Customers
This is precisely what passengers keep demanding from Transtu: a stronger connection with its clientele and a genuine customer‑service channel.
A responsive feedback loop would enable useful and fruitful interaction, allowing the company to address the daily accumulation of problems. We will continue to stress this point because of its clear impact on service quality.
Every day, service quality degrades: drivers sometimes display unacceptable behaviour, ignoring the code of conduct and showing little regard for passengers.
The customer’s satisfaction must take precedence over employee convenience. It is high time to implement a 10‑ to 20‑minute frequency for both buses and metros—possible if the will exists!
Future Announcements
Further statements may be issued regarding the return to “normal” traffic on metro lines departing from Tunis‑Marine station. This site is not only a passenger hub but also a technical centre for vehicle repair and maintenance.
- Currently, just over forty metros are operational, while a similar number could be reinstated, as promised.
- Countries that manufacture metros are already refurbishing machines that have been in service for more than forty years—the same applies to our fleet.
Read Also
La circulation des trains reprend sur la ligne TGM dès demain
Keywords: TGM line, Tunis‑Marine, train service resumption, single‑track operation, public transport frequency, Transtu, metro refurbishment, Tunisia rail news
