Urban and Suburban Mobility Enhancement in Casablanca-Settat Region Takes a New Step
The urban and suburban mobility enhancement in the Casablanca-Settat region has entered a new phase with the launch of a suburban train service, initiated by King Mohammed VI.
The trains are expected to start operations by 2030, providing a real solution to the urban mobility challenges in this major city. They will offer numerous advantages in terms of punctuality, service quality, and sustainability.
This service will achieve a frequency of one train every 7.5 minutes across three lines: Line 1 connecting the Hassan II Grand Stadium in Benslimane to Mohammed V Airport; Line 2 connecting the stadium to the Casablanca Port Station; and Line 3 linking Casablanca Port to Mohammed V International Airport.
These three lines, extending over 92 kilometers, will enable effective connections between key urban and semi-urban centers, ensuring access to strategic locations such as the Hassan II Grand Stadium and Mohammed V International Airport.
In this context, ten new stations will be developed in accordance with a harmonious and flexible architectural charter, ensuring comfort, ease of access, and efficiency for travelers. The stations will include “Mohammedia – Colleges,” “Zenata,” “Sidi Bernoussi,” “Ain Sebaa,” “Hay Mohammadi,” “New City,” “Marasse Sultan,” “L’Oasis,” “Sidi Maarouf,” and “Nwaaser.”
Existing stations will also be upgraded to fully integrate into the urban suburban train network. Once the suburban trains begin operating, they are projected to transport 150,000 passengers daily.
Notably, this transport service will have a significant impact on mobility and the environment. From the start of operations, it is expected to carry 35 million passengers and prevent the emission of 100,000 tons of greenhouse gases annually.
In addition to the three suburban train lines, the “Aero-Express” service will connect Casablanca Port Station directly to Mohammed V International Airport with shuttle trips every fifteen minutes. Furthermore, regional train services on the El-Jadida and Settat routes will be enhanced with shuttle trips every thirty minutes.
To ensure coverage of regional mobility needs, 48 carriages, each with a capacity of over 1,000 seats and a speed of 160 km/h, are set to be purchased at a cost of 7 billion dirhams (excluding taxes), reflecting the desire to establish an efficient suburban rail network that aligns well with passenger demand.
