Morocco’s Casablanca Transports has invited firms to bid for the contract to construct lines 5 and 6 of Casablanca’s rapid bus transit system.

The budget for the two lines is reported to be MD1.8bn ($189m) and construction is expected to begin in the second half of 2018.

Line 5 is expected to be operational in 2020 and line 6 in 2021.

Line 5 will extend 13 kilometres from the tramway T1 terminus to the Salmia district and will have 24 bus stations.

Line 6 will extend 8.5km from the town of Errahma to the city centre through the regional road P3003 and highway N1.

MEED understands Casablanca Transports aims to provide bus transport services that are comparable and complementary to the tramway.

MEED reported that Casablanca Transports intends to award the rolling stock package for Casa Tramway’s lines 3 and 4 this month.

Companies that have submitted an offer for the contract are:

• Alstom Transport (France)
• Bombardier (Canada)
• CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive (China)
• Skoda Transportation (Czech Republic).