GETTING AROUND MOROCCO ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Morocco is a popular tourist destination that draws culture buffs, backpackers, adventurers, couples, families, foodies, and others.
Despite appearing to be a world away from our home nations, is able to provide comparable vacation alternatives, thanks to the influence of former French control. So here are the breakdowns of the different modes of public transportation in Morocco.
The French built Tangier's new railway station, and it is incredibly efficient, probably even better than back home!
Morocco's trains are luxurious and reasonably priced. ONCF, the state-owned network, connects only a small number of routes, yet it is a great alternative for travel between large cities. Trains are dependable, comfortable, quick, and efficient modes of transportation.
Only first-class journeys are available for ticket reservations.
Supratours is a rail-owned bus operator that serves locations east of the Atlas Mountains and south of Marrakech that are not yet served by the train system. Buses are easily connected to intercity trains. "Rail & Route" tickets are available in a package that includes both train and bus travel.
To assist you in finding your way around, all train stations have clear signage and displays in Arabic and French. Expected delays are also displayed on the platform.
Other modes of public transportation, including local buses and city cabs, are well-served at larger stations.
When traveling by train, Moroccans are highly social and courteous, making it easy to strike up a discussion. Your fellow train passengers will be pleased to share food and sweets with you.
On Moroccan trains, smoking is prohibited, however many people do it in the train car's hallway. It is considered impolite to smoke in a car that does not have a corridor.
Trains and railway stations in Morocco are relatively safe. They are, nevertheless, a magnet for small criminals, as they are everywhere else in the world. So be cautious and use common sense: – Do not leave your luggage unattended in stations or on trains – Keep your tickets, passport, money, and credit cards in a safe place separate from the rest of your luggage – Be extra cautious with your bags when boarding and exiting a train in a crowded area – Do not sit or sleep alone in a compartment The railway employees will assist you if you have any problems. Most train stations have police officers that are helpful and present.
By Air
Flight connections to Morocco are excellent, as transfers to other parts of the nation.
Airports are being improved and new ones are being constructed, such as in Tangier. Monarch, Ryan Air, and Easy Jet are all rumored to have signed up to fly to Tangier and Tetouan airports under an 'Open skies agreement' inked before the 2007 schedule.
GB Airways, a subsidiary of British Airways, has today announced a 169-pound return flight to Tangier. Thompson also said that flights to Agadir will cost only 29 pounds each way, while Atlas Blue will travel to Morocco for 60 pounds round trip.
Morocco is still a new market for budget carriers, but it is only 3 hours from the UK, therefore these bargains will pick up speed in 2006. It will also put pressure on Royal Air Maroc, the country's flag carrier, to follow suit, as it just announced plans to double its fleet in 2007.
Tetouan, about an hour west of Tangiers, has an international airport that is rarely utilized, but the area's prominent hotel chains, such as Club Med, Sofitel, and Accor, have been lobbying the governor to open it up more frequently, as it is now used exclusively for internal flights.
The Casablanca airport, which is served by Royal Air Maroc (RAM), is the hub for domestic flights. Local flights are costly, but they save a great deal of time.
By Bus
Buses are the most cost-effective mode of transportation, and they run on a regular schedule to practically every location in Morocco. In comparison to taxis, they are also a more secure and pleasant option.
Morocco's intercity bus service is owned and operated by a private company. There are numerous businesses of various sizes, comfort levels, punctuality, safety, and service levels. The majority of businesses only run routes in a specific area.
In Morocco, there are three major bus companies:
– CTM – Previously held by the Moroccan government, but currently a private firm listed on the Casablanca stock exchange. It is the country's only bus company.
SATAS is a corporation situated in Agadir, Morocco. It primarily operates south of Casablanca, but also between Marrakech and Agadir between Casablanca and Marrakech.
The railway company ONCF owns Supratours. Routes connect Marrakech and the northern cities of Tetouan and Nador to places south of the city. At a railway station, tickets must be purchased.
You should use one of these three firms whenever you have the option. Other operators may be less expensive, but they can't compete with the top three in terms of comfort and fleet upkeep.
Bus terminals sell tickets, which can be purchased up until the bus departs. To ensure that the bus is not overcrowded, get tickets a few hours ahead of time.
Get your tickets at least a day ahead of time if you're boarding a bus somewhere along the trip.
You will be mobbed by "courtiers" (French for "brokers") as soon as you enter a bus terminal. These folks are incredibly knowledgeable about bus routes and timetables and may be extremely helpful. You can name your destination for a little fee, and they will take you to the ticket kiosk of the company that runs the next bus there.
By Shared Taxi
One of the nicest aspects of Moroccan transportation is shared taxis. They are usually large Mercedes Benz vehicles with a maximum capacity of six passengers.
Shared taxis cover a wide range of routes and are significantly faster than public buses. The fares are fairly affordable. You can also hail a cab from any point on the road. If there is room, the vehicle will stop and pick you up; if there isn't, the driver will apologize and wave you off.
Note that taxis only run within the same region; for example, you cannot take a shared cab from Tangier to Casablanca. Long journeys will necessitate changing cabs or hiring a full automobile.
A word of caution: Grand taxis (those used for intercity travel) do not have meters. Instead, pricing is set between each community. Every taxi driver must have a "bulletin" with the current fares in their area. Many places do not provide this paperwork as necessary, so make sure you request it.
You could also ask fellow passengers who are waiting for a taxi. People are quick to advise you how much you should pay. Before the taxi leaves, make sure you agree on a price with the driver — and remember, you're talking dirhams, not dollars!
By Car
The car is a popular mode of transportation in the country, and the road system is quite well developed, with substantial highway improvements being high on the government's agenda.
Moroccan drivers appear to be significantly less cautious than most of us in the United States! They accelerate and weave from one spot to another in an oddly coordinated frenzy, especially in town, yet crashes are rare. If you have a sense of adventure, you will enjoy this fantastic opportunity.
Keep in mind that:
The speed limit in town is 50 km/h, whereas the speed limit on routes outside of town is 100 km/h. Seatbelts are required for both drivers and passengers, yet they are rarely used. – It is prohibited to drive without lights at night. Vehicles driving below 20 km/hr, however, are allowed to drive without lights. You'll need to keep your wits about you at night, as there are many riders without lights, as well as animals and hikers, on the roads. The cost of gasoline in Morocco is relatively expensive.
By Renting A Car
All Moroccan airports, as well as the larger cities, feature substantial vehicle rental firms.
In general, driving is quite basic, and because few people own cars or need to travel significant distances, the roads are usually smooth and easy to maneuver. You should take your time exploring the country.
To hire a car, you will need the following documents: – An international driver's license.
You are responsible for your own automobile insurance.
Motorbikes are becoming increasingly popular in Morocco as a means of getting about to some of the country's most remote and sought-after destinations. You should be cautious of your safety at night and bring a good tool kit and puncture repair kit with you.
0 Comments
Post a Comment