Morocco Advances Public Transport with New RER Stations
In response to the rising number of travelers in the Casablanca region, Morocco is making significant strides in enhancing its public transportation infrastructure. The national railway operator, ONCF (Office National des Chemins de Fer), has launched two tenders aimed at constructing nine new stations as part of the upcoming Casablanca Regional Express Network (RER). This initiative has a combined investment of 480 million dirhams, which is approximately 51.3 million USD. The construction works will be divided into two segments: the first involves building four stations at a cost of 216 million dirhams, while the second encompasses five additional stations totaling 264 million dirhams.
This undertaking aligns with the Moroccan authorities' strategic plans to improve urban and suburban mobility within the country’s economic hub. ONCF aims to achieve train frequencies of up to one train every 15 minutes on certain sections of the new RER, thereby enhancing access to key residential and economic areas. The RER is designed to connect vital infrastructures, including Mohammed V Airport and the future Grand Stade Hassan II, facilitating better transportation options for commuters.
The investment comes at a time when Casablanca's transport infrastructure is under significant strain. According to the World Bank, the Grand Casablanca area, which includes the city and its surrounding urban zones, is home to over 13% of Morocco's population—nearly 5 million people—occupying less than 1% of the national territory. Moreover, the region experiences an influx of over 50,000 new residents annually.
The rapid growth in mobility demand, coupled with prolonged under-investment, has led to severe traffic congestion. Approximately 20% of the national vehicle fleet operates within the Grand Casablanca, and urban mobility expenses account for 10% to 20% of household incomes. To address these challenges, Moroccan authorities have initiated several projects in recent years to extend public transport services, including the T3 and T4 tram lines and the BW1 and BW2 busway lines.
The long-term vision for the Casablanca RER includes three lines spanning a total of 92 kilometers and featuring 18 stations. This network is expected to significantly improve connectivity between essential housing, employment centers, and critical facilities within the region.
As reported by agenceecofin.com.
