The city of Marrakech has reached a new milestone in the transformation of its public transport system. The operation of next-generation buses officially began this week, marking a major step forward in the modernisation of urban and peri-urban mobility in the Red City.
The launch of these vehicles forms part of a large-scale project to restructure the bus network, led by the “Marrakech Transport” Group of Local Authorities, with the aim of adapting public transport services to population growth, urban sprawl and the requirements of sustainable development.
A major investment to renew the fleet
The programme is built on a substantial financial commitment. In total, 349 new buses have been planned as part of the fleet renewal and expansion initiative. To date, 207 vehicles are already in operation, while 127 additional buses are in the process of being acquired. The programme will be completed with the delivery of 15 electric buses, expected in the near future.
Overall, this operation represents a total investment of approximately 717 million dirhams, reflecting the determination of local authorities to reposition public transport as a credible alternative to private cars.
Digital tools to enhance the passenger experience
Beyond the vehicles themselves, the project places strong emphasis on the digitalisation of operations. Modern ticketing systems, operational support tools and passenger information systems have been acquired at a cost exceeding 110 million dirhams. These technologies are designed to improve network management, provide real-time information to passengers and enhance overall service quality.
The new buses are equipped with advanced technological features, including electronic fare validation systems, passenger information displays, CCTV cameras, air conditioning and onboard Wi-Fi. Accessibility has also been improved through dedicated equipment for passengers with reduced mobility.
A redesigned network to better serve the metropolitan area
The deployment of the new fleet is based on the findings of a comprehensive network restructuring study. This plan предусматриes the creation of a future network comprising 25 urban routes, including three electric bus lines, covering a total distance of 281 kilometres. The objective is to achieve a coverage rate of 83.5%, ensuring more efficient service across Marrakech’s neighbourhoods and surrounding areas.
The semi-urban network is also undergoing a significant overhaul. It will expand from 22 routes today to 39 routes in the future, with total network length increasing to approximately 1,060 kilometres. This transformation is expected to raise coverage from 17% to more than 29%, improving connectivity between the city and neighbouring municipalities.
A key step towards sustainable mobility
According to Samir Goudar, President of the Marrakech-Safi Regional Council, the project represents a qualitative leap in the modernisation of public transport and reflects the commitment of public stakeholders to delivering a more efficient and sustainable service, capable of supporting the region’s ongoing urban transformation.
For his part, Zakaria Bellouchi, Director of the company responsible for managing Marrakech’s urban and semi-urban transport services, emphasised that the rollout of the new buses will be carried out gradually, in order to ensure service continuity while complying with safety and quality standards.
Governance under public oversight
Public transport services are operated under a delegated management model, overseen by the “Marrakech Transport” Group of Local Authorities, which is responsible for defining quality and safety standards, ensuring compliance with public service principles and monitoring investment execution.
Through this project, Marrakech is clearly demonstrating its ambition to make public transport a cornerstone of urban mobility—more attractive, more inclusive and better suited to the environmental and social challenges facing the city.
