Escalating Tensions Surrounding the Transfer of Marrakech's Bus Station
The recent decision by the Marrakech city council to relocate the Bab Doukkala bus station to the new Al Azzouzia site has reignited an ongoing conflict among various stakeholders. The majority shareholders of the management company, along with trade unions and transport operators, emphasize that any establishment of competition regarding the bus station must be unanimously agreed upon, as stipulated in the infrastructure's statutes. This article offers a comprehensive overview of the situation, drawing from insights provided by Al Ahdath Al Maghribia.
In the days leading up to June 14, 2026, the debate surrounding the transfer of the Bab Doukkala bus station has intensified, sparking passionate discussions in local cafes and on social media platforms. Supporters and opponents of the move present sharply contrasting views, showcasing the significant emotional investment in the issue. According to Al Ahdath Al Maghribia, public officials and elected representatives are advocating for a swift transition, citing the necessity of managing municipal affairs and the investments made in this project as key arguments.
The official approval for this relocation was granted during the city council's May session, setting July as the deadline for transport operators and workers currently associated with the Bab Doukkala station to transition to the new Al Azzouzia facility. However, this announcement has been met with considerable dissatisfaction from station operators and workers. Abdelouahed Chafiki, the president of the Menara district, highlighted in a Facebook video the importance of considering the social implications for transporters, users, and workers, particularly those café owners bound by contracts with the previous management company.
Opposition from several passenger transport representative bodies, including the National Federation of Road Transport of Passengers (FNTR) and the National Union of Road Transport of Passengers (SNTV), has been vocal. They recently sent a letter to the president of the Marrakech region, firmly rejecting the relocation and criticizing the management of the project while also expressing discontent over not being consulted in the decision-making process regarding the new Al Azzouzia station.
Notably, these organizations hold a 60% stake in the management company of the current bus station, while the Marrakech city council and the National Transport and Logistics Company (SNTL) hold equal shares of 20%. According to Al Ahdath Al Maghribia, the management company's statutes prevent the council or any other entity from unilaterally deciding to construct a new station within a competitive framework without first obtaining unanimous consent from all shareholders.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
