Morocco Transport Prices Surge Post-Eid, Sparking Traveler Outrage

To take advantage of the high influx noted on Sunday at the bus stations in major cities like Fez, Casablanca and Marrakech, road transport professionals have doubled the prices of travel tickets, arousing the anger of travelers. The latter protested against this unjustified price increase that does not take into account the purchasing power of citizens.

"When the demand for public transport decreases, we observe a price drop that can reach about 50 percent in comparison, while prices increase during exceptional travel during holidays, and can exceed the maximum rate set," Mohamed Abdeljalil, the Minister of Transport and Logistics, recently explained, stressing that this fluctuation is due to high demand.

Last June, the minister had declared before the House of Representatives that "transport companies are authorized to increase the maximum rate by 20 percent, in order to provide additional transport services and cover the costs of empty returns." Morocco has around 1,540 transport companies for 64 bus stations.