Transport Professionals Oppose Relocation of Bab Doukkala Bus Station
The ongoing saga surrounding the potential relocation of the Bab Doukkala bus station in Marrakech has taken a significant turn, as local transport professionals have firmly voiced their opposition to plans for moving the station to the Azzouzia area. The professionals argue that such a move would have detrimental effects on both the workers in the transport sector and the local economy. In response to this situation, they have chosen to keep their meeting open-ended, ready to implement protest actions should their demands go unaddressed.
This strong stance emerged during an emergency meeting convened by the National Union of Road Transport Investors in Morocco on July 5, 2026, held in the meeting room of the Bab Doukkala bus station. The meeting was attended by the union president, members of the governing board, stakeholders, and representatives from various transport companies, all gathered to discuss the latest developments regarding the relocation project.
According to the meeting minutes, the gathering was prompted by an urgent request from industry professionals who had heard rumors about the imminent transfer of the bus station to Azzouzia, which raised significant alarm and dissatisfaction among those working in the passenger transport sector.
During the discussions, attendees expressed their profound anger regarding what they perceived as a lack of consultation with industry professionals. They firmly rejected the idea of moving to Azzouzia, citing potential economic, social, and logistical repercussions for carriers, license holders, company employees, and the passengers who depend on the current station.
The participants emphasized that the Bab Doukkala station is a strategic facility for Marrakech and the road transport sector due to its vital location within the urban fabric. They argued that relocating the station would adversely affect the sector's productivity and the ease of citizen mobility. Furthermore, they highlighted that transporters own approximately 60% of the company managing the station, underscoring the necessity of respecting their rights in decisions regarding the facility's future in accordance with the legal provisions governing companies.
The meeting concluded with four primary recommendations: first, a collective refusal of the station's relocation and a commitment to keeping it at the Bab Doukkala site; second, appointing the union’s governing board to prepare a public denunciation statement directed at relevant authorities; third, initiating dialogue with the local and regional authorities in Marrakech to advocate for the professionals' demands; and lastly, keeping the meeting open to monitor developments and undertake necessary protest and legal actions if required.
This situation once again highlights the ongoing debate over the future of the Bab Doukkala bus station, as professionals insist on its retention at its current location while discussions persist about its proposed move to Azzouzia. Without a mutually agreeable solution that satisfies all parties, this issue is likely to escalate further in the near future.
As reported by i3lamtv.com.
