Morocco Revamps Transport Sector with New Safety and Service Quality Standards
Rabat – Morocco's Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, recently launched a comprehensive reform plan aimed at modernizing the country's transport sector. The project focuses on improving public safety, upgrading infrastructure, and enhancing service quality across various transport modes.
The reform includes the renewal of the intercity bus fleet, professional training for drivers, and support for the rural and tourism transport sectors, as well as the car rental industry.
The reforms were presented during a series of steering committee meetings held in Rabat from April 28 to 30, bringing together key stakeholders from public passenger transport, rural mixed transport, tourism transport, and driverless car rental services.
Officials from the Ministry and the National Road Safety Agency (NARSA) also participated in the discussions, reflecting a strong push for a coordinated and participatory approach.
Central to the new strategy is the 'Safe Autocar' program, which seeks to replace outdated intercity buses with modern, safer vehicles. Backed by an annual budget of MAD 200 million ($19.6 million), the fleet renewal initiative will run from 2024 to 2026, aiming to raise public transport's attractiveness and reliability.
The plan also addresses the need to professionalize the transport tourism sector by encouraging structured investment and improving service standards. Additionally, a dedicated vehicle renewal program aims to enhance safety and connectivity for remote communities in rural and mountainous regions.
Acknowledging the rapid expansion of Morocco's driverless car rental industry, fueled by tourism and the seasonal return of Moroccans living abroad, Kayouh announced an extension of the transitional period for rental agencies to comply with the new regulatory framework that was implemented in April of 2024.
He also asserted his ministry's commitment to digitalizing procedures to build a more efficient, transparent, and sustainable transport system.
On Tuesday, Kayouh unveiled a bold MAD 96 billion ($9.6 billion) investment plan to modernize Morocco's railway infrastructure by 2030.
The minister detailed that the plan is designed to significantly enhance rail connectivity, improve service quality, and support Morocco's broader goals for sustainable and efficient transport. Tags: Abdessamad Kayouhtransporttransport reformtransport sector
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