Posts Tagged ‘Driving’

Public Transport as well as Driving in Morocco

Monday, August 30th, 2010

Although Morocco seems a world away from our home countries, is capable of offering comparable travel options, largely due to the influence of the former French domination. RailwaysThe new railway station in town was built by the real French and French as a whole, is very effective, maybe even better than back home! Trains in Morocco are very comfortable and very cheap. The state ONCF network, connecting a limited network of routes, but travel between major cities are an excellent choice. The trains are reliable, convenient, fast and efficient. Reservations for tickets can only be made for first class travel. Supratours is a bus company owned by the rail network to cover areas east of the Atlas Mountains and south of Marrakech, which are not yet served by railways. Buses run smoothly for intercity trains. Tickets for travel, trains and buses are sold in a package called “Road Train.” All stations are clearly marked and shown in Arabic and French to help you find your way around. Platform displays also show the expected delays. large stations are well served by public transport, buses and taxis and other in the city. Tag station: the Moroccans are very friendly and courteous in transport, and easy conversation. You will find train travel companions are happy to share food and sweets. No smoking allowed on the trains in Morocco, although many people smoke in the hallway of the car. Cars that do not have a broker, is considered bad manners to smoke. Security: trains train stations and Moroccans are reasonably safe. But as everywhere in the world are a magnet for petty criminals. So be alert, use common sense to remember: – Do not leave your luggage unattended in stations or on trains – Keep your tickets, passport, money and credit cards in a safe place away from the rest of the luggage – Note careful with your bags when not in boarding and departure of a train in a crowd of people – to sit or sleep alone in a compartment, some travelers have reported problems with resellers, especially on trains to and from Fez. In case of problems, railway staff will be happy to help. The police are helpful and are present in most seasons. AirFlight connections in Morocco are very good and transfers to the rest of the country are equally effective. Airports are being upgraded and new ones built, for example. Tangier. “Open Skies Agreements” has recently been concluded ahead of schedule in 2007 and Monarch, Ryan Air and Easy Jet is said that all have signed up to Tangier and Tetouan airports. Vacancies: GB Airways, part of BA have just announced that travel to Tangiers in brief return of 169 pounds. Thompson also announced that fly to Agadir for only £ 29 per flight and Atlas Blue flies to Morocco for 60 pounds return. These agreements will accelerate in 2006, Morocco is still a market for low-cost airlines are not tested, however, less than three hours from the United Kingdom. It will also put pressure on the national airline, Royal Air Maroc to follow suit and has recently pledged to increase its fleet by 50 percent in 2007. Tetuan, about 1 hour’s drive west of Tangier has an international airport that is little used, but the large hotel groups, Club Med, Sofitel, Accor has been in government pressure to open what is now more regular is used only for domestic flights. Casablanca airport is the hub for domestic flights with Royal Air Maroc (RAM) as its carrier. Local flights are expensive, but save time. BusBuses are often the cheapest form of transport and routes are regular in most parts of Morocco. I am also a safer and more comfortable, instead of taxis. intercity bus transportation in Morocco is privately owned. There are many companies with many different degrees of size, comfort, punctuality, safety and service. Most companies only operate routes in a particular region. The three main bus companies in Morocco are: – CTM – Even state but now a private company listed on the Casablanca stock exchange. And “the only bus operator covering the whole country. – SATAS – company based in Agadir. Operates mainly in the south of his hometown, but also between Casablanca and Agadir Marrakech. – Supratours – owned by the railway company ONCF. Itineraries termination of the rail network to destinations south of Marrakech and the northern city of Tetuan and Nador. Tickets must be purchased at a train station. Whatever you choose, should be advised to us one of these three companies. Other operators may be slightly cheaper, but you can not beat the comfort and maintenance of three large fleet. Tickets are on sale at the bus terminal and you can get to a time before the bus leaves. You should get tickets a couple of hours in advance to ensure that the bus is full. If you take a bus somewhere along the way, get tickets at least one day in advance. Just set foot in a bus station is surrounded of “courtiers” (French for “brokers”). These men know the bus routes and schedules of memory and can be extremely useful. For a little advice, you can name your destination and take you to the ticket office of the company that manages the next bus there. TaxiShared taxis are one of the best features of transport in Morocco. They are usually large Mercedes Benz carrying a maximum of six passengers. taxis operate in a variety of routes and is much faster than public buses. Rates are very reasonable. You can also call a taxi anywhere along the way. If there is space, and the driver stops but when you have full-wave controller to excuse him. Note: Taxis only run between the cities of the same region, for example. can not take a shared taxi from Tangier to Casablanca. In the long distances, you have to change taxis or rental of the entire car. One suggestion: general taxis (the travel between cities) do not have a meter. On the contrary, prices are set between each city. All taxi drivers must have a “report” that shows the rates in your region. Many people do not see this card, as needed , so be sure to ask. You can also ask around among the other passengers waiting for a taxi. People can easily tell you the amount payable. Make sure you agree a price with the driver before the taxi leaves – emphasize’re not speaking of dirhams, not dollars! Carcar is a popular way of getting around the country and the road system is quite developed, with improvements to major roads is now a government priority. Moroccan drivers drive caution, apparently, far less than most of us back home! Especially in cities, speed and armor from one space to another in a frenzy oddly organized, but accidents are rare. If you are a provision of adventure, and embrace this great experience. Please note that: – The speed limit in town is 50km/hour and roads outside the city is 100km/hour. – Use the seat belt is mandatory for drivers and passengers but often not practiced. – Do not drive at night without lights. However, below 20 km / h vehicles allowed to drive without lights. You must keep your wits about you as there are many cyclists without lights and animals and walkers on the streets at night. – gasoline prices are relatively high in Morocco. HireThe Car largest city in the car rental agencies in Morocco are great, like all airports. In generally, the guide is very simple and that many locals have no access to vehicles, or the need to drive long distances, the roads are usually clear and easy to navigate. should enjoy exploring the country at your own pace. To rent a car, you must: – International driver’s license to rent a car. – Your engine insuranceMotorbikesMotorbikes in Morocco are increasingly popular as a means to explore the many remote places and searched. You must pay attention to safety during night, and you should take a good set of tools and puncture repair kit