Imagine a world where you can get anywhere you need to go with a lightning-fast train.
Thanks to several new development contracts worth $964 million signed in Morocco, the country is one step closer to making this world a reality, the International Railway Journal reported.
Moroccan National Railways (ONCF) is splitting this investment between a local company and two Chinese companies, each of which will build a section of high-speed rail linking major transport hubs throughout northwest Morocco.
Increased access to rapid public transportation benefits communities at both ends of the tracks, particularly residents who commute daily. Since tourism is a major industry in Morocco, travelers planning trips will also gain an advantage.
The country is preparing to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, which has helped speed up the process of building new tracks, IRJ explained.
Once completed, the new routes will form part of a growing railway network in the country, which currently stretches over 2,600 miles. The region already has a high-speed line called Al Boraq Train, which was the first high-speed line on the African continent. It reaches speeds of 200 miles per hour on some routes and carries passengers from Casablanca to Tangier in less than 1.5 hours – typically a five-hour train ride, according to Rail Ninja.
Trains are not just fast, comfortable and peaceful means of transport. In addition, a train ticket is often much cheaper than a tank of gas, and many routes, including high-speed routes, now run on electricity. This means that people who choose to take a train over a car not only save money, but also reduce their dependence on global warming dirty energy.
The IRJ article was reposted on the r/highspeedrail subreddit, where it sparked passionate discussion.
“The three interconnected cities…account for a large percentage [Morocco’s] “Many people use the service for studying, visiting family and other reasons.”
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“Another sad day being a transit nerd in America,” wrote another.
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