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Economy

ONCF Unveils Ambitious Summer 2024 Rail Strategy: Connectivity and Comfort Take Center Stage

Tuesday 25 June 2024 - 12:10

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Morocco's National Railway Office (ONCF) is gearing up for a transformative summer season, rolling out an extensive plan to accommodate the anticipated surge in travelers. From June 24 to September 23, 2024, the Moroccan rail network will pulsate with over 230 daily trains, marking a significant expansion of service on high-demand routes.

In a recent press release, ONCF declared its readiness to welcome millions of passengers, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing accessibility and travel enjoyment through an augmented train schedule and attractive fare options.

At the heart of this strategy lies a focus on bolstering nationwide connectivity. The high-speed Al Boraq service will see a substantial boost, with 30 daily departures providing hourly connections between major urban centers such as Tangier, Kenitra, Rabat, and Casablanca. Moreover, Al Boraq will extend its reach to Meknes, Fez, and Marrakech, effectively doubling seat capacity during peak travel periods.

Intercity travel will receive a significant upgrade with over 70 daily Al Atlas trains linking central Morocco to various destinations. Key routes, including Casablanca-Marrakech, Casablanca-Rabat, and Casablanca-Fez, will benefit from 30 daily Al Atlas trains operating on optimized schedules for enhanced passenger convenience.

For those preferring nocturnal journeys, ONCF will continue to offer long-distance night trains serving Fez, Oujda, and Tangier. The Casablanca-Nador and Casablanca-Oujda routes will feature hotel-style compartments, adding a touch of luxury to overnight travel.

International arrivals at Mohammed V International Airport will find improved connectivity with an increase in TNR shuttle trains, offering 38 daily connections to and from Casablanca. Local services will maintain their operations on essential routes such as Casa-Rabat-Kenitra, Casa-Settat, and Casa-El Jadida.

In a bid to streamline the ticket purchasing process, ONCF is implementing a series of measures designed to enhance user experience. These include an expansion of remote sales channels for online purchases, the introduction of customer accounts, and partnerships with financial service providers Chaabi Cash, Tasshilat, and Cash Plus for proximity purchases.

Flexible pricing strategies will incentivize early bookings, while rounded prices on certain routes aim to reduce wait times. Catering to the tourism sector, a summer offer introduces a multi-trip tourist card. Available for 50 dirhams until August 31, this card provides a 30% discount on 10 trips across Al Boraq, Al Atlas, and TNR trains.

As Morocco braces for the summer travel influx, ONCF's comprehensive approach - combining an enhanced train network with user-friendly ticketing options - positions the railway office to effectively manage increased demand while ensuring a comfortable and efficient experience for those exploring the diverse landscapes of Morocco.

This ambitious summer plan underscores ONCF's commitment to modernizing and expanding Morocco's rail infrastructure, setting a new benchmark for public transportation in the region. As the summer of 2024 approaches, all eyes will be on ONCF to deliver on its promises of improved connectivity, comfort, and customer service.