The Bus Station Company of Bab Doukkala in Marrakech has formally submitted a petition to King Mohammed VI, expressing concerns regarding the establishment of a new bus terminal in the Al-Azizia area. The company argues that this project was initiated without the involvement of the transportation professionals directly affected by it, posing a significant threat to the future of a facility that has been a cornerstone of transportation in the Red City for decades.
In a statement issued following their general assembly held on May 21, 2026, the company underscored the strategic importance of the Bab Doukkala station, given its central location within the city and its proximity to historical neighborhoods and tourist attractions. This positioning has allowed the station to play a critical role in facilitating economic, tourism, and commercial activity between Marrakech and other cities across the kingdom.
The company highlighted that the establishment of the Bab Doukkala station was the result of extensive studies and consultations involving various stakeholders, including the Marrakech municipal council, which contributed 20% to the project, and the National Transport Office at the time, which also accounted for 20%. The remaining 60% was funded by professionals within the sector, leading to its recognition as one of the leading bus stations in the country.
According to the petition, the new terminal project in Al-Azizia was included in the "Renewed Urban Center" programs; however, the specifications have reportedly changed since the initial proposal presented in 2014. This alteration has led to several issues, some of which have escalated to legal disputes.
While the company does not fundamentally oppose the idea of relocating the bus terminal for the greater public good, it emphasizes the need for the selection of a more suitable alternative site that meets modern transportation standards, thereby preserving Marrakech's reputation and its status as a tourist and economic hub.
The petition also pointed out that the Marrakech municipal council established a new company named "Massafir Company," despite the foundational law of the Bab Doukkala Bus Station Company, which has been in existence for 99 years. This law stipulates that the municipal council is a partner within the company, leading to accusations of breaching Article 3 of the company’s foundational law.
The appeal criticized the establishment of the Al-Azizia terminal for proceeding without consulting transportation professionals and other interested parties, asserting that this decision was made unilaterally. The repercussions of such a move could adversely affect a large segment of professionals and workers associated with the existing station.
The company has previously reached out to the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, the Marrakech-Safi region's Wilaya, the Marrakech province, and the municipal council, as well as civil society stakeholders and local residents, to alert them to the potential damages that the relocation could inflict on investors and workers in the sector.
In conclusion, the company has reiterated its commitment to public interest and the transportation sector, appealing for royal intervention to ensure what it believes are the legitimate rights of the investors and professionals connected to the Bab Doukkala Bus Station.
As reported by alyaoum24.com.
