Kingdom
Marrakech: Next-Generation Buses Strengthen the Urban Transport Fleet
As part of an ambitious program to renew the fleet and improve services, 349 new buses have been acquired: 207 already delivered and in operation, 127 currently being procured, and 15 electric buses awaiting delivery, for a total investment of nearly 717.48 million dirhams(MAD).
The urban transport fleet in Marrakech and its surrounding areas was strengthened on Wednesday with the launch of next-generation buses, aimed at improving the quality of public transport services and enhancing their attractiveness.
The commissioning of these new buses, which took place in the presence of the Wali of the Marrakech–Safi region and Governor of the Prefecture of Marrakech, Khatib El Hebil, and the President of the Marrakech–Safi Regional Council, Samir Goudar, is part of the implementation of the project to restructure the bus transport network within the territory of the Grouping of Territorial Communities (GCT) “Marrakech Transport”. This project aligns with the requirements of sustainable urban development and the improvement of citizens’ mobility conditions.
Thus, within the framework of an ambitious fleet renewal and service improvement program, 349 new buses have been acquired: 207 already delivered and operational, 127 in the process of acquisition, and 15 electric buses awaiting delivery, representing a total investment of nearly 717.48 million dirhams.
Modern systems have also been acquired to support operations and enhance the user experience, including ticketing systems, operational support systems, and passenger information systems, for an investment of approximately 110.31 million dirhams.
Based on the results of a comprehensive network restructuring study, the project provides for the establishment of a future network comprising 25 routes, including 3 electric lines, extending over 281 km, with a coverage rate increased to 83.5%. The objective is to ensure better service coverage for all neighborhoods of the Red City and its surrounding areas.
The study also addressed the reorganization of the semi-urban network, which will evolve from 22 routes with a total length of 837 km and a coverage rate not exceeding 17%, to a future network comprising 39 routes, with a total length of approximately 1,060 km and a coverage rate reaching 29.1%.
On this occasion, Mr. Goudar emphasized that this project represents a qualitative step in the process of modernizing Marrakech’s urban transport system and reflects the commitment of all stakeholders to establishing a modern, sustainable public transport service capable of supporting the city’s urban and demographic transformations.
In a statement to MAP, Zakaria Bellouchi, Director of the Company for the Management of Urban and Semi-Urban Transport of the City of Marrakech, stated that the rollout is being carried out progressively through the acquisition of a new fleet of buses equipped with modern, high-quality technical features. These ensure service across all urban and semi-urban routes in compliance with current safety and quality standards.
He added that the new buses are distinguished by advanced technological systems designed to improve service quality and provide real-time information to passengers. These include an innovative ticketing system, operational support and passenger information systems, as well as features facilitating access for people with disabilities or reduced mobility, air conditioning systems, surveillance cameras, and the provision of onboard Internet (Wi-Fi) service.
It should be noted that this service is provided under a delegated management framework, under the supervision of the GCT “Marrakech Transport”, which is responsible for defining quality and safety standards, ensuring compliance with public service principles, and monitoring investments.
