Eid Travel Slows as Moroccans Face Rising Bus Fares and Sheep Prices

According to observers, the rise in ticket prices and the surge in sheep prices explain this trend of Moroccans on the occasion of Eid al-Adha this year compared to previous years when the demand for travel was stronger. "Ticket prices have increased due to the fact that buses are returning from their journeys without passengers, which has doubled the cost of transportation," explain industry professionals at the Ouled Ziane bus station in Casablanca.

Ticket prices vary from one city to another. You have to pay up to 200 dirhams for a trip to Agadir, 130 dirhams for a crossing to Marrakech, 150 dirhams to go to Meknes and Fez. The ticket to Ouarzazate costs 300 dirhams and between 250 and 300 dirhams for Al Hoceima, while the price remained unchanged for destinations like Tangier and Tetouan, at 90 dirhams.

Trade unionists in the road transport sector denounce this exaggerated increase in ticket prices, as well as the unfair competition suffered by professionals from "clandestine transport operators and applications." "Bus stations are experiencing a stagnation in terms of activity. This started after the Covid-19 pandemic, which disrupted the relationship between professionals and customers," said the general secretary of the Moroccan Democratic Labor Union.

"We deny these increases, and if they are proven, this falls under the Ministry of the Interior which has the right to monitor this issue. Most buses are returning from their journey without passengers, which can have a slight impact on ticket prices," said the union leader in a statement to Alayam24, calling for the opening of a "serious debate on the increases decided by the mayor of the municipality of Casablanca for the Busway and the tramway."