Morocco to invest MAD10 Billion in public transit, end reliance on foreign companies

Morocco’s public transportation system is undergoing a major overhaul in response to widespread criticism from citizens. 

Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit acknowledged the shortcomings of the current system, particularly its reliance on foreign companies to manage bus services in many cities.

“Public transportation simply isn’t good enough for Moroccans,” Laftit said in a recent parliamentary session. “It doesn’t reflect the Morocco we are today.” 

This statement showcases the frustration with the status quo, where even basic expectations for reliable and efficient public transport remain unfulfilled in most cities.

The Minister further admitted that past attempts to find a suitable management model haven’t yielded ideal results. 

Laftit specifically pointed to the difficulty of convincing Moroccan companies to take on the responsibility. 

As a response, the government has pledged a MAD 10 billion investment to address long-standing issues with the bus system, including unreliable service and poor quality vehicles.

Laftit acknowledged the poor quality of existing buses, inadequate route frequencies, and financial imbalances in current contracts. 

The ambitious new plan aims to equip 32 major cities with a fleet of 3,500 new buses by 2029. 

This upgrade aims to modernize the entire bus system and provide citizens with a more reliable and comfortable travel experience.

The plan goes beyond just new buses. Investments will be made in bus maintenance facilities, depots, parking areas, ticketing systems, and management support tools to ensure smooth operations and a long-term solution for maintaining the new fleet.

A key change will involve separating investment and operational costs. This will allow for clearer financial responsibility and ensures that funds are used efficiently to maintain a well-managed system. 

The government will also prioritize the procurement of locally manufactured buses for this project, aiming to support the domestic economy and create jobs within Morocco.

In addition to the immediate investment in new buses, the Ministry of Interior is reviewing existing contracts to identify and address financial and operational issues. .