154 New-Generation Buses Brought into Service in Fez to Modernize Urban Transport
The Wali of the Fez–Meknes region and Governor of the Prefecture of Fez, Khalid Aït Taleb, officially launched on Monday in Fez a new urban transport fleet consisting of 154 modern buses, as part of the implementation of the new delegated management model for urban transport in the city.
This launch is part of a broader program covering a total of 268 buses that have already been received and will be rolled out progressively across the city. The operation is being carried out under the supervision of the Ministry of the Interior, in coordination with various institutional partners, notably the Fez–Meknes Regional Council, the Fez Prefecture and the Fez Municipal Council, with the aim of strengthening and modernizing urban transport services for users.
Speaking to MAP, the President of the Fez–Meknes Regional Council, Abdelouahed El Ansari, noted that the project was carried out through a total investment exceeding 620 million dirhams, with a contribution from the Regional Council estimated at nearly 230 million dirhams. He added that the program will also benefit the cities of Meknes, Taounate and Taza.
The project, he continued, falls within the framework of the High Royal Directives aimed at improving public services and promoting spatial and territorial equity. He stressed that this commissioning marks an important step toward addressing the challenges long faced by the Kingdom’s spiritual capital in terms of urban transport and responding to citizens’ expectations.
For his part, the Director General of Issal Fès, Mohamed Amine Sekkat, stated that this day marks the culmination of several weeks of preparation ahead of the effective entry into service of the new fleet. He noted that these 154 buses represent a first phase that will gradually be expanded, with the objective of strengthening the urban public transport offer.
He added that the new buses are 12-meter vehicles that meet current international standards and are equipped with ramps to facilitate access for persons with reduced mobility, as well as modern technological features. These include advanced ticket validation systems and digital solutions enabling the purchase of tickets online, contributing to improved service quality and a better user experience.
The President of the Fez Municipal Council, Abdessalam Bakkali, emphasized that transport and mobility are among the fundamental pillars of integrated local development, particularly in major cities, where they help establish a modern and structuring urban transport system.
According to him, the project will strengthen equity in access to transport services between different neighborhoods and improve connectivity between peripheral areas, the city center, healthcare facilities, sports infrastructure and commercial hubs.
The President of the Municipal Council of Fez also highlighted the adoption of a new urban transport management model based on municipal ownership of the bus fleet. He specified that this system will benefit not only the city of Fez, but also 13 surrounding territorial communes located within a radius of 20 to 40 kilometers.
He added that this new approach marks a break with previous management models and represents a qualitative step forward in support of territorial development and the modernization of cities.
Editorial team/le7tv
