4 days ago
Morocco Launches Overhaul of Urban Bus Transport with $1.1 Billion National Program
Rabat – Morocco has set out on an ambitious reform of its public bus transport system, aiming to transform urban mobility across 84 cities and metropolitan areas between 2025 and 2029.
Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit outlined the new strategy during a session in the House of Representatives on Monday, where he described the plan as a sharp break from past approaches to urban transport management.
The program begins with 37 delegated local authorities, including 18 municipalities, 12 inter-municipal cooperation bodies, and 7 regional groupings.
In this first phase, major cities such as Marrakech, Tangier, Tetouan, Agadir, Benslimane, and Fez are among the first to enter the transition.
The state has earmarked MAD 11 billion ($1.1 billion) for the rollout. This funding covers the purchase of 3,746 new buses and the development of digital and physical infrastructure: ticketing systems, route planning and passenger information tools, parking areas, bus stops, signage, and maintenance facilities.
'This model turns the page on outdated methods,' said Laftit. He underlined three core principles: a clear separation between investment and daily operations, full public responsibility for infrastructure costs, and the introduction of tighter monitoring and performance controls.
The financing structure rests on a three-way contribution: one-third from regional governments and two-thirds from Morocco's Road Transport Reform Support Fund.
Contributions to this fund from the Ministries of Interior and Finance have increased from MAD 1 billion to MAD 1.5 billion ($100 million to $150 million), bringing the annual funding pool to MAD 3 billion ($300 million).
The reform unfolds in three phases. In the first, six delegated authorities will oversee transport upgrades in 23 cities. Tenders have already been launched to appoint technical oversight teams, with engineering consultancies selected for cities like Marrakech, Tangier, Agadir, and Tetouan.
At the same time, procurement efforts for 1,317 buses are underway through local development companies. Contracts have been awarded for 968 vehicles. The remaining 349 units will be subject to a second round of bidding after initial proposals fell short of technical requirements.
The government has also opened tenders for smart ticketing systems and operational support platforms. Selected suppliers will be announced before mid-June.
The second phase will extend to 24 more cities under 18 additional authorities. Plans include purchasing 827 new buses and recruiting future operators through competitive bidding.
In the third and final phase, the government will target another 37 cities, working with 13 local authorities. This last stage will follow the expiry of existing transport contracts, paving the way for a full nationwide rollout.
While these efforts mark a promising step toward improving public transport, many Moroccans remain skeptical. Urban buses in the country have long suffered from poor conditions, overcrowding, delays, and a lack of safety.
Passengers often report harassment, theft, and frequent breakdowns, while accidents involving buses continue to raise serious concerns. Despite the planned overhaul, public confidence in the system remains low, and many believe that only sustained reform and strict oversight can restore trust. Tags: MoroccoMorocco transportMorocco urban busesTransportationurban buses
