The Moroccan capital takes a significant step towards sustainable urban mobility. As part of a project supported by the C40 Cities Finance Facility (CFF), Rabat is launching 30 electric buses powered by solar energy, a first in Morocco that combines public transport with photovoltaic production.
### An Electric Express Line for Salé, Rabat, and Témara
These buses will operate on a new north-south express line connecting Salé, Rabat, and Témara, with depots equipped with photovoltaic roofs to recharge the vehicles. Rabat’s mayor, Fatiha El Moudni, emphasizes that “this pivotal project is not limited to fleet renewal but represents a foundational investment to improve the quality of life in Greater Rabat.” She stresses the direct benefits for citizens: a more reliable, silent, and clean service, while also easing traffic congestion.
### An Integrated and Pioneering Model
The combination of electric mobility and on-site solar production makes Rabat an unprecedented model in Morocco. This integrated system aims to reduce emissions while providing efficient and sustainable service for residents. The CFF is assisting the city in the technical, financial, and contractual preparation of the project to ensure its feasibility and effectiveness.
### A Globally Supported Initiative
The C40 Cities Finance Facility, an initiative launched during COP21 in Paris, has been supporting many cities in the Global South since 2015 in implementing structural projects related to renewable energy, sustainable mobility, and urban resilience. With Rabat, it joins Belo Horizonte, Cartagena, and São Paulo in its new selection of partner cities.
According to Ingrid Simon, co-director of the CFF: “We help cities design concrete projects that truly transform the lives of residents while enhancing resilience against extreme heat and flooding.”
By 2030, the initiative is expected to involve over one billion euros in investments, solidifying Rabat’s role as a leading city for clean and sustainable mobility.
With Barlamane