The Director of Urban Transportation and Transport at the General Directorate of Local Authorities, Younes El Qasimi, announced the receipt of approximately 1,000 buses at the end of October and the beginning of November. This initiative is part of the first phase of the new public urban transport program for the period 2025-2029.
El Qasimi confirmed that these buses constitute part of a total of 1,487 expected for the first phase of the program.
He clarified that this initial phase is currently being implemented in the cities of Tangier, Tetouan, Fez, Rabat, Benslimane, Marrakech, and Agadir, as well as adjacent urban centers like Fnideq, Asilah, Tamansourt, Ben Guerir, and Inzikan-Ait Melloul. This ensures the integrated territorial areas benefit from the program, covering a total of 29 cities and urban centers.
This phase also includes the acquisition of smart ticketing systems, operational assistance systems, passenger information systems, and the establishment of a maintenance center. Additionally, El Qasimi noted that the operation of this fleet will be handled by professional operators under a new delegated management model focused on service quality, innovation, and performance.
El Qasimi further informed the Maghreb Arab Press that the second phase of this program involves 18 delegated authorities, extending to 24 cities and nearby urban centers, including Dakhla, Guelmim, Oujda, Essaouira, Tinghir, Taounate, and Sidi Bennour. This aims to ensure a comprehensive benefit for various urban areas and their immediate surroundings.
The third phase targets 12 delegated authorities covering 31 cities and associated urban centers, including Casablanca, Meknes, Khouribga, Laayoune, Beni Mellal, Nador, Al Hoceima, El Jadida, and Azemmour. This phase will involve an investment for the acquisition of 1,482 buses to enhance public urban transport in these areas.
El Qasimi stated that the new bus urban transport program, which has an estimated cost of around 11 billion dirhams, will benefit 37 delegated authorities (84 cities and urban centers). It particularly includes the acquisition of approximately 3,800 buses equipped with smart systems for passenger assistance and information.
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