How to Get around in Rabat
In Rabat, the way people get around is quite different than in Canada. Here are the major modes of transport:
1: petit taxis: These are small coloured taxis (blue in Rabat, red in Fes etc.) that go within the city limits. They only hold 3 passengers and the fare is determined by meter- similar to Canada. Petit taxis are notoriously crazy drivers and will often create their own lanes to try and get around traffic.
2: Grande Taxis: These are white old Mercedes which hold 6-7 people uncomfortably. Unlike blue taxis which you can hire to go anywhere, these ones leave from one specific ‘white taxi terminals’ to another, often in another town. These taxis will will only leave when completely full and are charged by the seat i.e. the cost for one seat from Rabat to another city is predetermined. They are often more expensive than blue taxis and aren’t often used.
3: Tram: The Rabat tram is gorgeous. Opened in 2011, it is super luxurious and has a very extensive route. It costs 6 dirhams (about 75 cents) for one way within an hour or so. You have to buy a ticket every single time because there is always someone on the tram who will check if your ticket is valid. The only downside to the tram is it is only open until 10pm, so if you are going out late, you need to take a cab. We take the tram to get to and from school every day.
4: Bus: There is a bus that runs from near our place for 4 dirhams (about 50 cents) but it is notoriously crowded and often very late. As such, we very rarely use it.
5: On Foot: In Rabat, things are usually pretty close, so we do a lot of walking. It costs zero dirhams (about zero Canadian dollars) and is apparently pretty healthy as well.
To get around the country, there are a couple different ways.
1: ONCF: Rabat has a train system which puts Via Rail to shame. For super cheap, you can get to almost any of the major cities in a matter of hours. I think the trains here run faster and more frequently than in Canada. There are two classes; premiere classe (first class) which offers a guaranteed seat and a little more comfort than deuxieme classe (second class) which does not guarantee a seat (especially at peak hours/holiday time/football match time) but is a couple bucks cheaper.
2: Bus: For super cheap, the bus can take you to most of the smaller towns, however it stops at every town on the way, making it much slower, and picks its own route, making it unreliable. However it makes for a great story!
3: Grande Taxi: As mentioned above, the grande taxi can be hired to go to specific towns, but it will only leave if entirely full and is often pricey and uncomfortable. However it’s a great way to make friends.