Moroccan Bus Fares Surge Ahead of Eid al-Adha, Despite Government Subsidies

Bus ticket prices have reached 400 dirhams for first-class buses and 300 dirhams for second-class buses on the lines connecting Casablanca to the eastern and southern regions, reports the daily Al Akhbar, noting that this price surge has angered users.

"After the dizzying rise in the prices of essential consumer products, citizens are now facing the surge in the prices of transport tickets with the approach of Eid Al Adha. This increase is occurring even though the government has since March 2022 provided financial support to road transport professionals to mitigate the impact of the rise in fuel prices on their costs," deplored PPS deputy Nadia Touhami, in a question to the Minister of Transport and Logistics.

For its part, the Professional Road Transport Association explained that "the increase in ticket prices is due to the cost of travel, which has doubled compared to the last three years. The pricing defined by the supervisory ministry through its provincial directorates dates back to years ago, while the market has undergone major changes mainly related to the rise in fuel prices."