Students at several institutions in Khouribga, Morocco, are facing daily hardships due to a shortage of urban transport buses and a lack of routes that cater to their needs. This makes it difficult for them to arrive at school on time, particularly for those commuting from neighboring areas. The situation is exacerbated by overcrowded buses and long wait times, causing some students to risk being late or missing classes.
A video recently circulated on social media and local news outlets highlighted the plight of students, showing a student waiting for transport on a dark road. The footage brought attention to the challenges students face due to inadequate transport services, especially after evening classes. This has sparked local discussion and raised concerns about student safety.
The issue affects not only students at the Higher Technology School in Khouribga, located outside the urban area, but also those at the Nursing Institute and vocational training institutions. These students encounter difficulties reaching their schools and returning home, particularly when buses pass by overcrowded and fail to stop to pick them up.
In response to growing concerns, local authorities and stakeholders convened on October 21, 2026, to discuss solutions to the urban transport problem. The meeting, attended by officials, elected representatives, and security personnel, aimed to find ways to alleviate students' struggles. Agreements were reached to resume transport services to the Higher Technology School and improve the quality of service.
The agreements included commitments from the Khouribga municipality to provide necessary conditions for buses to reach the school and from the transport company to enhance services, ensure regular trips, and increase the number of buses. A designated area for bus stops near the school is also planned.
To ensure the effectiveness of these measures, ongoing monitoring and evaluation are necessary. This includes verifying that buses run on schedule, reducing overcrowding, and providing sufficient vehicles during peak hours. Continuous coordination among local authorities, the municipality, the transport company, and school administrations is crucial.
Long-term solutions, such as renewing the bus fleet, are being called for to address the root causes of the problem. Students and local communities are advocating for a comprehensive approach to urban transport that meets their needs throughout the year, rather than ad-hoc measures that only address immediate crises.
Key points
- - Students in Khouribga face daily struggles with urban transport due to a shortage of buses and inadequate routes. - Local authorities have convened to discuss solutions and reached agreements to improve transport services to schools. - Ongoing monitoring and long-term solutions, such as renewing the bus fleet, are necessary to address the issue effectively.
