Morocco Takes Significant Steps in Electric Bus Program
Morocco has embarked on a pivotal phase in its partnership with South Korea aimed at enhancing public transportation in Rabat. Since September 11, the Korean International Cooperation Agency (Koica) has been receiving proposals from various companies vying to supply the capital with twenty large electric buses. This procurement initiative is valued at 13 billion won, approximately 91 million dirhams, marking a significant investment in the region's public transport infrastructure.
The announcement, referenced under R26BK01669293-000, transforms a long-prepared program into an industrial purchase, a collaborative effort between Seoul and Rabat that has been in the works for several years. The documents released by the Korean authorities categorize this procurement as a major acquisition of electric buses, outlining a selection process that will include technical and financial evaluations of the proposals, followed by negotiations with the selected candidates.
Comprehensive Support Beyond Vehicle Purchase
This initiative encompasses more than just the buses themselves. Koica is also set to provide the necessary infrastructure to support the operation of these buses, including maintenance equipment and technical assistance for Moroccan teams. Additionally, preparatory documents mention plans for the development of spaces related to the urban network and training programs in South Korea for Moroccan public transport officials.
A notable aspect of this program is the allocation of nine million dollars, or approximately 84 million dirhams, specifically directed towards the vehicles, their operation, and charging infrastructure, within a total budget of 13 million dollars (around 121 million dirhams). The program is slated to run from 2025 to 2028, facilitating the introduction of the twenty electric buses on significant routes within Rabat's transport network.
On the Moroccan side, preparations are underway for the establishment of depots and land designated for charging equipment, including necessary electrical connections and telecommunications networks. In turn, KOICA will finance the procurement of vehicles, expertise, and various technical components essential for the operational launch of the fleet.
This comprehensive approach extends the scope of the procurement beyond a mere vehicle importation. It integrates the purchase of buses with their technical environment and operation, while distributing expenditures across rolling stock, facilities, and support services, thus ensuring a holistic development of the public transport system.
The initiative was initially included in the Korean procurement plan published at the end of July, followed by preliminary consultations focused on technical specifications. The call for tenders issued on August 7 subsequently opened the procedure, which has now entered its industrial selection phase as of September.
It is noteworthy that this program faced initial delays, as indicated by South Korean budget documents. Originally, 2.653 billion won was allocated for the project’s execution in 2026 (approximately 18.5 million dirhams), which was later revised down to 2.388 billion won (around 16.7 million dirhams). This adjustment, a reduction of 265 million won (about 1.9 million dirhams), was justified due to the time taken in selecting the consortium responsible for leading the program.
That hurdle has now been overcome, with Bucheon Urban Corporation selected alongside Jeil Engineering and Edwin Tech to provide oversight and technical guidance. This consortium brings valuable expertise in intelligent transport systems, electrical infrastructure, and the training of Moroccan teams.
The acquisition of these buses marks a crucial industrial phase of the program, allowing for the identification of the manufacturer responsible for supplying the twenty vehicles, detailing their technical specifications, battery selections, and the configuration of chargers necessary for their operation in Rabat.
As reported by barlamane.com.
