Rabat – Morocco’s Ministry of the Interior has unveiled a significant investment plan to overhaul the country’s urban public transport system.
The program, estimated to cost 10 billion dirhams (approximately $1.1 billion), aims to equip 32 cities with a fleet of 3,500 new buses by 2029.
This initiative comes in response to growing demands for improved urban mobility and public transportation options across Morocco.
Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit outlined the plan today during a parliamentary session, highlighting the focus will be on acquiring new buses and modernizing infrastructure and management systems.
The investments will cover various aspects, including the buses themselves, maintenance facilities, bus depots and parking areas, ticketing systems, and management support tools, the minister detailed.
Laftit emphasized a distinction between investment and operational costs. While the Ministry of the Interior and local authorities will cover initial investments, the program prioritizes sustainable operation through a delegated management model, he explained.
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Studies are underway to prepare for this delegated management approach, separating ownership from daily operations This is expected to enhance efficiency and financial stability.
Specifications are also being developed to assist local authorities in overseeing the new management model and to prioritize locally-manufactured buses when procuring the new fleet.
The plan extends beyond acquiring new buses. Laftit said his ministry is revising existing delegated management contracts, many of which face financial and operational challenges.
These revisions aim to restore budgetary balance, improve service quality, and ensure the program’s long-term sustainability.
Morocco’s investment in its urban public transport system reflects a commitment to improving mobility for citizens in major cities across the country.
The new buses, coupled with modernized infrastructure and management practices, have the potential to significantly enhance public transportation experiences for millions of Moroccans.
