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Rabat – Morocco’s National Railway Office (ONCF) announced a major rise in its passenger traffic for the first half of 2024.
During this period, the Moroccan railway operator saw a 7% rise in passenger numbers, with 26.4 million travelers using its services compared to the same period last year.
This surge in passenger traffic resulted in revenues exceeding MAD 1.26 billion ($126 million), representing an 8% increase compared to the end of June 2023.
The high-speed train “Al Boraq,” emblematic of sustainable mobility, made notable progress by transporting more than 2.6 million passengers in the first half of 2024, marking a 14% increase from the same period last year.
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In the freight sector, ONCF reported a major boost, with transported volumes climbing 32% to 9 million tons.
This growth was primarily fueled by a 68% increase in phosphate transport. As a result, revenue from freight and phosphate transport soared by 23% to MAD 815 million ($81.5 million).
By the end of June, ONCF’s consolidated revenue had risen by 16%, surpassing MAD 2.55 billion ($255 million).
Internal revenue, reflecting operational activities, grew by 12% to nearly MAD 2.18 billion ($218 million). Furthermore, investment expenditures aimed at maintaining performance and improving service quality totaled MAD 811 million ($81.1 million).
At the end of June 2024, ONCF reported a 4% decrease in debt, reducing it to MAD 41.9 billion ($4.19 billion).
The Moroccan railway company is launching a new development phase that includes extending high-speed rail lines, expanding regional express networks, and acquiring new rolling stock through 2030.
ONCF has also published its 2023 carbon footprint report, which focuses on the reduction of emissions. Despite a rise in train travel, the company achieved a 20% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions.
In July, ONCF, in collaboration with Morocco’s National Tourism Office (ONMT) launched an ambitious multimedia campaign designed to boost national tourism and promote regional travel.
The initiative aimed to generate interest in various tourist destinations across the country and encourage inter-regional travel.
According to a statement from ONMT, the summer of 2024 saw several benefits for travelers, including discounted fares on the ONCF network. Notably, fares started at MAD 89 ($8.90) for high-speed Al Boraq lines and MAD 49 ($4.90) for Atlas trains.
