Mauritius Curfew Cuts Bus Passengers and Revenue by 50%
Public bus operators in Mauritius are reporting up to 50% fewer passengers and a sharp drop in revenue since the curfew came into force.
Mauritius's ongoing curfew has dealt a severe blow to the island's public bus network, with operators reporting losses of up to 50 percent in both passenger numbers and revenue, according to Le DΓ©fi Media.
The curfew, imposed in the wake of civil unrest that has gripped parts of the island, has significantly reduced the number of people travelling by bus during restricted hours. With movement curtailed and many residents staying home, bus routes that would normally be busy are running near-empty.
Public buses in Mauritius are operated by a mix of private bus companies and the National Transport Corporation (NTC), the state-owned operator that runs services across the island. Together, they form the backbone of transport for hundreds of thousands of Mauritians who depend on buses to get to work, school, markets, and medical appointments.
A 50 percent drop in revenue is a significant financial shock for an industry that already operates on tight margins. Private bus operators in Mauritius are licensed by the National Land Transport Authority (NLTA) and are required to maintain schedules even when demand drops, meaning fixed costs such as fuel, driver wages, and vehicle maintenance continue regardless of how many passengers board.
The timing adds pressure on top of existing challenges. Mauritius's bus sector has long struggled with rising fuel costs, an ageing fleet, and competition from ride-hailing apps and private vehicles. A sustained curfew β even if eventually lifted β can take weeks or months for ridership to fully recover, as commuter habits shift and confidence in public spaces returns slowly.
There is also a knock-on effect for workers who rely on early-morning or late-evening services to reach their jobs, particularly those in hospitality, healthcare, and retail. Where buses are running reduced schedules or avoiding certain routes due to the unrest, employees in essential sectors may struggle to get to work.
What this means: If you depend on public transport in Mauritius, expect reduced frequency, possible route changes, and longer wait times while the curfew remains in effect. Bus operators are absorbing significant losses and may seek financial relief from the government once the situation stabilises. For the wider economy, disruption to public transport is one of the less-visible but real costs of the civil disorder that has gripped the country in recent days.
Source: Le DΓ©fi Media
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Mauritius buses losing passengers during the curfew?β
The curfew restricts movement across Mauritius, meaning far fewer people are travelling by public transport. Bus operators, including the state-run National Transport Corporation (NTC) and private companies licensed by the NLTA, are reporting up to 50% fewer passengers and a corresponding drop in ticket revenue.
Which bus operators are affected by the curfew in Mauritius?β
Both the National Transport Corporation (NTC), the government-owned bus operator, and private bus companies licensed under the National Land Transport Authority (NLTA) are affected. These operators collectively serve the entire island and carry hundreds of thousands of passengers daily under normal conditions.
Will bus services return to normal after the curfew is lifted in Mauritius?β
Ridership typically recovers gradually after a curfew is lifted, as passenger confidence and daily routines take time to return to normal. Operators may also need financial support from the government to cover losses sustained during the disruption period.
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