People in Fez, Tangier and Tetouan could soon see better bus services after CTM and Transdev Maroc officially joined forces to run and develop public transport networks in the three cities. The two companies announced on June 18 that they have created three joint ventures called Issal Fès, Issal Tanger and Issal Tétouan. CTM owns 51% of the companies, while Transdev Maroc holds the remaining 49%.
Morocco’s Competition Council approved the deal on June 8.
The partnership will manage bus networks under contracts awarded by local authorities and supervised by the Ministry of Interior as part of Morocco’s wider plan to modernise public transport.
In Tetouan, Issal Madina has been running the city’s bus network since November 2023. A new contract launched in May 2026 includes 194 new buses serving the Achamal Al Gharbi intercommunal group.
In Fez, Issal Fès has operated 149 new buses since September 2025. Authorities are also studying plans for a bus rapid transit line.
Tangier’s network has been operated by Issal Tanger since December 2025. The company currently runs 216 new buses for Al Boughaz and Tanja Mobilité, with plans to increase the fleet to 323 buses as part of a future bus rapid transit project.
All three contracts will run for ten years.
The projects are part of a national programme worth 11 billion dirhams between 2025 and 2029. The programme covers 37 cities across Morocco and aims to improve the quality and reliability of public transport.
The government says the programme is being led jointly by the Ministry of Interior and regional authorities to make urban transport more efficient and attractive for passengers.
The partnership brings together CTM’s long experience in transport and Transdev Maroc’s expertise in urban mobility.
CTM has more than 107 years of experience in passenger and freight transport. The company recently expanded into ferry services across the Strait of Gibraltar after acquiring Africa Morocco Links (AML).
Transdev is one of the world’s largest public transport operators. The group, jointly owned by Rethmann Group and France’s Caisse des Dépôts, reported revenue of €10.44 billion in 2025 and operates in 19 countries.
In Morocco, Transdev has managed the Rabat-Salé tramway since 2011. The network carries around 150,000 passengers every day.
The 11 billion dirham investment marks one of Morocco’s biggest efforts to improve public transport in recent years. The plan is designed to move away from older management models that were often criticised for service quality.
