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Marrakech strengthens its urban transport fleet with smart buses to ensure sustainable mobility and high quality.
The urban transport fleet in Marrakech and its surroundings was enhanced yesterday, Wednesday, with the launch of new-generation buses aimed at elevating the quality of public transport services and boosting their appeal in line with the requirements of sustainable urban development and improving citizens’ mobility.
This event, which was notably attended by the Governor of the Marrakech-Safi region, Khalid Haibil, and the President of the Marrakech-Safi Regional Council, Samir Koudar, as well as stakeholders in the urban transport sector, is part of the implementation of a project to restructure the urban transport network by bus within the territorial jurisdiction of the “Marrakech Transport” grouping.
In this context, 349 new buses were procured as part of an ambitious program to renew the fleet and improve service offerings. A total of 207 buses were delivered and are now in operation, while 127 additional buses are in the process of being acquired, along with 15 electric buses awaiting delivery, representing a total investment of approximately 717.48 million dirhams.
Modern systems were also acquired to support operations and enhance the user experience, including ticketing systems, operational assistance, and passenger information systems, with an investment of around 110.31 million dirhams.
This project is based on the findings of a comprehensive study aimed at restructuring the network, which will feature 25 lines, including three electric lines, with a total length reaching 281 kilometers, increasing coverage to 83.5 percent to ensure better service to various neighborhoods in the city and its surroundings.
The study also included the reorganization of the suburban lines, expanding from 22 lines covering 837 kilometers, with a coverage rate not exceeding 17 percent, to a future network comprising 39 lines with a total length of about 1060 kilometers, and a coverage rate of 29.1 percent.
On this occasion, the President of the Marrakech-Safi Regional Council affirmed that this project represents a qualitative step in the modernization of the urban transport system in Marrakech and reflects the commitment of various stakeholders to establish a modern, sustainable public transport service capable of keeping pace with the urban and demographic transformations occurring in the city.
In a statement to the Maghreb Arab Press, the Director of the Urban and Suburban Transport Management Company in Marrakech, Zakaria Belhouchi, explained that this launch is being implemented gradually, adopting a new fleet of buses equipped with modern and high-quality technical equipment, ensuring coverage of various routes within the urban and suburban areas, while adhering to safety and quality standards.
He added that the new buses are equipped with advanced technologies aimed at improving service quality and providing real-time information to travelers, including an innovative ticketing system, operational assistance, and passenger information systems, as well as special equipment for people with disabilities or limited mobility, air conditioning systems, surveillance cameras, and internet (Wi-Fi) services on board the buses.
It is noteworthy that this facility is managed under a delegated management system, where the “Marrakech Transport” grouping oversees the establishment of quality and safety standards while ensuring adherence to the principles of public service and overseeing investments.
