The Kingdom of Morocco has earmarked 9.77 billion dirhams, equivalent to approximately €900 million, towards a comprehensive reform of its urban and interurban transport systems, with the allocation targeted for completion by the end of December 2024.
This significant investment was announced by Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit in response to a parliamentary inquiry from MP Fatima Kachouti.
This substantial funding, channeled through the dedicated Urban and Interurban Transport Reform Support Fund (FRAT), reflects Morocco’s proactive and structured approach to addressing the evolving needs of urban mobility by providing robust technical and financial support to local authorities across the country.
The allocated resources have facilitated the development of key environmentally conscious public transportation projects, notably the expansion of tramway networks and the implementation of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems in major urban centers.
These strategic investments form part of a broader integrated mobility policy that encompasses the development and improvement of road infrastructure, parking facilities, ring roads, underpasses, and efficient traffic signaling systems, aiming for a holistic upgrade of urban transit.
Casablanca, the Kingdom’s largest city, accounts for the majority of the allocated funding, receiving 7.3 billion dirhams (approximately €672 million), or 74 percent of the total committed funds. This significant investment is fueling the development of four tramway lines and two BRT lines, collectively spanning an impressive 98.9 kilometers, promising to significantly enhance public transportation options for the city’s residents.
The capital region of Rabat-Salé has also received a substantial allocation of 1.8 billion dirhams (€166 million), representing 18 percent of the total funding. These funds are supporting the expansion of the existing tramway network, with the development of two lines totaling 26.6 kilometers, further improving connectivity within the metropolitan area.
In the southern city of Agadir, where a 15.5-kilometer BRT line is nearing completion, an investment of 513.26 million dirhams (€47.3 million) has been made, signaling a commitment to modernizing public transport in other key urban centers beyond the primary hubs.
Furthermore, the Moroccan government has also invested in preliminary studies for future urban transport projects, allocating 26 million dirhams (€2.4 million) for assessments in the urban areas of Rabat, Salé, Temara, and Agadir. The city of Fez has received an initial grant of 6 million dirhams (€550,000) to initiate similar preliminary studies for its own urban transport development plans, indicating a nationwide commitment to sustainable urban mobility solutions. This significant financial commitment underscores Morocco’s dedication to creating efficient, environmentally friendly, and modern urban transport networks to meet the growing needs of its cities and citizens.
SL/ac/fss/abj/APA