Several neighborhoods in Vlorë continue to lack access to public transportation, including the Transballkanike area, where more than 5,000 residents live and around 1,000 businesses operate. Despite its large population, no urban bus service has operated along this route for more than five years.

“There hasn’t been a bus here for over five years. It’s needed for people who go to work. We pensioners walk, but people need buses to get around. It is absolutely necessary,” one resident said.

Locals say the lack of public transport has made daily travel increasingly difficult, particularly for pensioners, people with health conditions, and families without private vehicles. They note that many cannot afford to rely on taxis, while walking long distances is often not a practical option.

“There isn’t any bus service here. I have my son to help me, but without him I’d have to walk everywhere. Pensioners should also have reduced fares. I receive only 100,000 old lek in pension, and I can’t afford it. My children have left because there are no jobs,” another resident said.

Residents also point out that Transballkanike is one of the most densely populated areas in the city, and the absence of a bus line forces them to take much longer routes to reach their destinations.

“There should definitely be a bus service. This is a large neighborhood with many apartment buildings and residents. Public transport is essential here. If I want to go to the Old Beach, I have to travel all the way to Zazani first and then make a long detour to get there,” another local said.