Eco-Revolution: Souss-Massa’s 20M Dirham Taxi Overhaul

Resulting from an agreement between the authorities of the Souss-Massa region and several players in the taxi sector, this project includes the acquisition and equipping of a fleet of modern (electric/hybrid) taxis that comply with safety and environmental standards; the creation of associated infrastructure including model fuel stations and specific equipment for electric charging stations; the development of an intelligent management and fleet monitoring system, including applications, meters and a location system; as well as the organization of training for drivers to strengthen their skills in the use of modern technologies and compliance with road safety standards, according to Al3omk.

The total cost is estimated at 20.5 million dirhams. The Souss-Massa region is contributing 20 million dirhams. The remaining 500,000.00 dirhams come from the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services of the region. It is planned that professionals will benefit from a non-refundable subsidy of 40,000.00 dirhams for the first category and 30,000.00 dirhams for the second category, as well as an interest-free and unsecured loan of 100,000.00 dirhams for the two categories, the remaining purchase price to be financed by the driver himself.

The Souss-Massa regional council approved the agreement during its last session in October. This agreement will come into effect as soon as it is signed and published, for a period of two years renewable according to the evaluation of the results. The project will be carried out in two main phases. The first will cover the financing of taxis in the first and second categories in the city of Agadir as a pilot model. As for the second phase, it will consist of a gradual extension of the experience to the other prefectures and provinces of the region, with the integration of additional financial and technical partners.

This project appears to be a solution to the many constraints affecting the quality of taxi services in the Souss-Massa provinces, particularly the aging of the fleet and the use of vehicles over ten years old. In addition, it should contribute to resolving the difficulties due to the lack of infrastructure, as well as the disparity of services between cities and villages.