Marrakech – Fez has officially launched 154 modern buses as part of a comprehensive urban transport modernization program, joining Morocco’s nationwide effort to upgrade public transportation systems.
The Wali of Fez-Meknes region and governor of Fez prefecture, Khalid Ait Taleb, inaugurated the new fleet on Monday. The buses represent the first phase of a larger program involving 268 vehicles that will be gradually deployed across the city.
“This project has been realized following a global investment exceeding MAD 620 million ($62 million),” said Abdelouahed El Ansari, president of the Fez-Meknes Regional Council. The regional council contributed approximately MAD 230 million ($23 million) to the initiative, which will also benefit Meknes, Taounate, and Taza.
The project implements Morocco’s new delegated management model for urban transport. It operates under Interior Ministry supervision and coordination with institutional partners, including the regional council, prefecture, and municipality of Fez.
Mohamed Amine Sekkat, director general of Issal Fez company, described the launch as “the culmination of several weeks of preparation for the effective commissioning of this new fleet.” He noted that the 154 buses constitute a first phase designed to progressively strengthen public transport services.
The new 12-meter Chinese Yutong buses meet international standards and include accessibility ramps for people with reduced mobility. They feature advanced ticketing validation systems and digital solutions allowing online ticket purchases through internet platforms.
“Transport and mobility constitute one of the fundamental pillars of integrated local development, particularly in large cities,” said Abdessalam Bakkali, president of Fez Municipal Council.
He stressed that the project will strengthen transport equity between different neighborhoods and improve connections between peripheral areas, downtown, health facilities, sports infrastructure, and commercial centers.
The new management model establishes municipal ownership of the bus fleet. Bakkali added that this approach benefits not only Fez city but also 13 neighboring territorial communes within a 20 to 40-kilometer radius.
Morocco’s transport modernization extends beyond Fez this week. Tangier signed a 10-year contract with CTM-Transdev on Friday for operating 280 Chinese Yutong buses under the new delegated management system. The agreement strengthens public control while improving service quality through modern embedded technologies.
In Marrakech, Supratours replaced ALSA as the city’s bus operator, launching services with 67 lines covering 1,342 kilometers. The ONCF subsidiary operates 207 Chinese Yutong buses initially, with plans for 349 vehicles total, maintaining current fares at MAD 5 ($0.50) until the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations concludes.
Agadir launched 134 smart Chinese Yutong buses Thursday as the first phase of its urban transport overhaul. The fleet will eventually expand to 247 smart buses plus additional high-quality vehicles, serving 18 communes in the greater Agadir area, including Inezgane Ait Melloul and Taroudant.
The initiatives address years of citizen complaints about inadequate urban transport while preparing cities for major events, including the 2025 AFCON.
All Chinese Yutong buses adopt similar technological features, including air conditioning, Wi-Fi connectivity, modern ticketing systems, and accessibility equipment. Professional drivers receive specialized training for passenger service, while maintenance centers ensure fleet reliability.
The coordinated launches advance national directives to modernize urban transport, establishing spatial and territorial justice and improving service regularity, territorial coverage, and passenger comfort across major cities.
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