Blockage of the Librazhd–Prrenjas axis/ Korça-Tirana ticket price increases

2026-02-25 12:21:00, Aktualitet CNA

Blockage of the Librazhd–Prrenjas axis/ Korça-Tirana ticket price

Intercity tickets from Korça to Tirana and vice versa have increased, citizens have been paying 1,000 lek for a trip for several days, up from 700 lek which was the previous fare.

The increase in ticket prices on intercity lines to Tirana has caused strong reactions from citizens. The reason for this increase is the blockage of the Librazhd-Prrenjas axis, forcing public transport vehicles to divert traffic through Gramsh, a segment known for its depreciation and traffic difficulties. Citizens say that the new price is unaffordable, especially for pensioners and low-income families, who travel to the capital for work, study or health services.

A pensioner says that with his income, he cannot afford such a fee. He says that he needs to travel to Tirana for hospital visits and family matters, but is now forced to wait for the road to reopen.

"Because we can't afford it, we are pensioners. We were going to go to Tirana and we can't. How can we do it, we will stay, when the roads open we will go. We have to go to the hospital, we have people there, we are not alone, for joys, for death, everything. We know what the Gramsh road is like because I am from that area. Anyone who goes should ask themselves carefully ", said the pensioner.

Drivers also consider the alternative route difficult. According to them, the segment through Gramsh presents additional risks and costs for vehicles, increasing fuel and maintenance costs. A bus driver emphasizes that vehicle damage is frequent and the road requires maximum care.

" God forbid you take Gramsh Road. I left the day before yesterday at dinner because we had a death in Tirana and we did it for 5 hours. I left in a small car, if I had my own vehicle I wouldn't drive on that road. I'm a driver myself, the ticket is high but depending on the road, you leave the vehicle there and there's nothing you can do. The rates can also remain high because they have their own problems. I'm a bus driver myself, it's a high-end vehicle but I had a flat tire twice yesterday with a small car ," declared a driver.

Citizens also express fear that the price increase may remain in effect even after the reopening of the blocked highway, turning the 1,000 lek fee into a permanent price. They demand intervention and monitoring from institutions to avoid abuses and guarantee affordable prices.

" We can't afford anything. It's very bad, but we have nothing to do, we live in this country. I'm not traveling alone, I can't afford these things. Everything that is done, increases and doesn't decrease anymore, because there are no controls. Everything is finished here, we can't live ," said a citizen.

" With this pension that I receive, I can't afford 130 thousand lek (old)." They know what they're getting for having to go to Tirana. When I left the first time (1 month ago), a stone fell and the driver barely escaped, the ambulance took him to Korça. The price is unaffordable ," said another citizen.

Off-camera, drivers say that the increase in travel time, increased fuel consumption and vehicle depreciation have brought additional costs, which are reflected in the ticket price. Meanwhile, until the situation on the Librazhd-Prrenjas axis stabilizes, travelers to Tirana will have to face higher costs and a longer and more difficult route./CNA