Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CLIMATE CHANGE & TRAVEL
Every form of transport that relies on carbon-based fuel generates CO2, the main cause of human-in-
duced climate change. Modern travel is dependent on aeroplanes, which might use less fuel per kilo-
metre per person than most cars but travel much greater distances. The altitude at which aircraft emit
gases (including CO2) and particles also contributes to their climate change impact. Many websites
offer 'carbon calculators' that allow people to estimate the carbon emissions generated by their journey
and, for those who wish to do so, to off set the impact of the greenhouse gases emitted with contribu-
tions to portfolios of climate-friendly initiatives throughout the world. Lonely Planet off sets the car-
bon footprint of all staff and author travel.
Bus
The cheapest and most efficient way to travel around the country, buses are generally safe, although their
drivers sometimes leave a little to be desired.
Bus stations Some Moroccan bus stations are like madhouses, with touts running around calling any num-
ber of destinations of buses about to depart. Most cities and towns have a single central bus station (gare
routière), but Supratours and CTM sometimes maintain separate terminals, and often have offices outside
the station. Occasionally, there are secondary stations for a limited number of local destinations.
Touts Touts will happily guide you to a ticket booth (and take a small commission from the company). Al-
ways double-check that their recommended service really is the most comfortable, direct and convenient op-
tion.
Luggage Bus stations in the main cities have left-luggage depots (consigne), sometimes open 24 hours. Pad-
lock your bags. More often than not you'll be charged for baggage handling, especially if your gear is going
on top of the bus - Dh5 is common.
Costs Bus travel is cheap considering the distances covered. CTM fares from Casablanca to Agadir, Mar-
rakesh, Fez and Tangier are Dh220, Dh130, Dh70 and Dh100 respectively. Companies including Supratours
offer 1st- and 2nd-class tickets, although the difference in fare and comfort is rarely great.
Reservations Where possible, and especially if services are infrequent or do not originate in the place you
want to leave, book ahead for CTM and Supratours buses. Particularly busy routes are Marrakesh-Essaouira
and Casablanca-Marrakesh, where you may need to reserve seats two days in advance in high season.
Daytime journeys Many buses have rather meagre curtains, so to avoid melting in the sun, pay attention to
where you sit. Heading from north to south, sit on the right in the morning and the left in the afternoon; east
to west, sit on the right, or on the left if travelling from west to east. You will often be assigned a seat when
you purchase your ticket, but you can ask to choose a place.
Night-time journeys Operating on many intercity routes, night buses can be both quicker and cooler, al-
though not necessarily more sleep-inducing.
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