Rabat – The city of Kenitra near Rabat launched this week made in Morocco buses in a bid to put an end to the public transportation crisis the city had been experiencing in the past two years.
About 138 “new generation” buses kicked off services in the city, local authorities have reported, noting that the made in Morocco buses required a budget of over MAD 300 million ($32.5 million).
The buses have equipment such as electronic ticket machines, geolocation systems, surveillance cameras, and internet service for users. They also include features that make them inclusive and accessible to people with special needs.
Taoufiq Moucharraf, the acting secretary general of the Industry Ministry, said that 89 of the 138 buses were locally manufactured and designed by Moroccan engineers.
The official emphasized that the buses’ features are in line with international standards and have advanced technologies.
The project is the fruit of the contribution of 31 Moroccan companies, he noted. adding that about 1% of the busses’ parts were manufactured in Morocco and by Moroccans.
Moucharraf said he hopes to see the same approach generalized in all cities across Morocco, emphasizing the capacity of Morocco’s industry to meet the needs of citizens and to guarantee “products of international quality at a lower cost.”
The official also aims to see the project relieve Moroccan trade balance and contribute to job creation.
Anas Bouanani, the president of the municipal council of Kenitra, said the transport fleet will end the city’s long-running public transportation crisis.
He also welcomed the efforts of all people involved in the manufacturing of the products.
About 107 buses will be operational in the first phase pending the launch of the rest of the vehicles at the end of March.
The new buses will cover 17 routes connecting neighborhoods in the city and five towns in the vicinity.
In total, the buses are set to serve 577 stops and 28 million passengers annually.
