Morocco's Taxi Unions Urge HACA to Ban inDrive Ad on Public TV
Doha – Professional taxi unions have petitioned Morocco's High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA) to cease broadcasting an inDrive advertisement on the public television channel 2M, denouncing it as a provocation to industry professionals.
According to converging media reports, the unions submitted a joint statement claiming that 2M's decision to air promotional content for inDrive, which they assert operates without proper licensing in Morocco, prompted them to seek immediate intervention from HACA.
'A flagrant violation'
The unions characterized the advertisement as 'a flagrant violation of national laws' and 'a serious threat to the taxi sector's interests.'
In their appeal, the unions pointed out that inDrive operates without the necessary permits required under Royal Decree No. 1.63.260.
Their petition cited multiple legal frameworks, including Interior Ministry Circular No. 19959 from November 1, 2022, which mandates monitoring illegal transport activities.
They also referenced Consumer Protection Circular No. 455, and Law 104.12 concerning price freedom and competition.
This latest confrontation marks another chapter in the prolonged struggle between Morocco's traditional taxi services and digital ride-hailing platforms.
In a notable incident on November 29, 2024, a confrontation erupted in Casablanca involving taxi drivers and a Russian businessman utilizing inDrive's services.
The altercation reportedly resulted in injuries to the businessman and his wife when they attempted to intervene in the dispute.
Law enforcement authorities promptly arrested the taxi drivers involved, and the case was referred to court.
In response, inDrive issued a statement condemning the attack as a 'serious violation of the law' and called for a thorough investigation, asserting its position as a 'responsible taxpayer and employer' operating in compliance with local regulations.
In yet another incident in December 2024, authorities apprehended three taxi drivers in Rabat following a dangerous pursuit of a ride-sharing vehicle near the Prince Moulay Abdellah Complex.
The chase, which was captured on video and widely circulated online, resulted in material damage to multiple vehicles and culminated in a roadside confrontation.
These incidents lay bare the escalating clash between traditional taxi operators and digital platforms like inDrive, Yango, and Careem, whose operations teeter on the edge of legality within Morocco's transportation sector.
On the edge of legality
While these companies maintain official business status in Morocco, their transportation services lack formal recognition under current regulations.
Addressing the situation, Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit announced in January that the government is conducting comprehensive research to explore potential regulations for the sector.
During a House of Councillors meeting, Laftit acknowledged the necessity for dialogue, stating, 'We must sit down and find a solution. We cannot continue like this.'
He further noted that while ride-hailing services cannot be formally integrated yet, 'we also cannot pretend they do not exist.'
The taxi unions have also forwarded their concerns to the Minister of Interior, requesting intervention regarding the advertisement's broadcast on public television.
Meanwhile, former Transportation Minister Mohamed Abdeljalil had emphasized in March 2024 the importance of achieving consensus among public transportation stakeholders before implementing regulations for ride-sharing applications.
He then noted that 'small and grand taxis are fulfilling an important role and providing services for Moroccan citizens as they handle the primary public transport needs in Morocco.'
The debate has taken on renewed urgency as Morocco gears up to host major international events, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
With millions of visitors expected, the demand for streamlined, reliable transportation is set to surge, heightening pressure on policymakers to address the sector's deep-rooted inefficiencies.
On another front, traditional taxi services remain under fire for their rigid pricing structures and selective service practices, which many argue stifle competition.
Beyond these issues, the sector is plagued by a deep-seated monopoly system that allows taxi permits to be inherited, fueling economic rent-seeking rather than promoting a fair, merit-based industry.
Union representatives continue to push for sweeping reforms, demanding a more equitable permit system that prioritizes professional drivers' rights and ensures proper social security coverage. Tags: indriveride-share apptaxis in Morocco
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Morocco World
Only 18% of Moroccans Use Ride-Sharing Apps Despite High Satisfaction
Doha – Morocco is on the brink of a transport reckoning, as a fierce showdown between powerful taxi lobbies and rising ride-hailing giants threatens to upend the rules of urban mobility and redefine how the country moves. Recent data from a joint survey by the news outlet L'Économiste and the marketing agency Sunergia reveals that while only 18% of Moroccans have used ride-sharing apps, those who do overwhelmingly prefer them to traditional taxis. The survey shows that public transportation remains the primary mode of travel for 72% of Moroccans. Among these users, 50% rely on small taxis, 47% use grand taxis, and 40% take buses. Only 28% of Moroccans, predominantly men (38%), seniors over 65 (41%), rural residents (36%), and those in higher socioeconomic classes (49%), do not use public transportation. When it comes to service quality, tramways lead with a 96% satisfaction rate, followed by busways at 91%. Traditional small taxis earned an 81% positive rating, while grand taxis received 86%. Buses ranked lowest at 74%. Among the 18% of Moroccans who have adopted ride-sharing applications, the demographic skews toward women, people aged 18-34, urban residents, and those in higher socioeconomic categories. The remaining 82% cite various reasons for not using these services: 40% are unfamiliar with them, 26% see no need, 16% live in areas without coverage, and 15% already own vehicles. InDrive dominates the ride-sharing market with 96% of users choosing this platform, while Yango and Careem trail far behind at 4% and 2% respectively. Most users (69%) use these services infrequently, while just 7% report daily usage and 13% use them several times weekly. The survey reveals striking satisfaction levels among ride-sharing app users. A remarkable 97% rate the quality as good, with 86% describing it as 'very good.' Additionally, 95% of users report feeling safe when using these services. Perhaps most telling is that 76% of app users consider ride-sharing services superior to traditional taxis, with this sentiment especially strong among younger users and residents of northern and eastern regions. Battle for the streets: Morocco's transport showdown Despite consumer preference for ride-sharing services, traditional taxi operators continue to resist change. The taxi sector's professional organizations are demanding comprehensive legislative overhaul to address what they consider illegal competition from digital platforms. Industry representatives are pressing for immediate government intervention and a national dialogue to resolve the escalating tensions in the transportation market, particularly noting that ride-sharing operators avoid the tax burdens and licensing fees that traditional taxi drivers must bear. The taxi unions criticize the current regulatory framework as outdated, pointing to the 1963 dahir (royal decree) that governs the sector. This antiquated legislation predates the digital revolution and fails to address the fundamental technological and economic transformations that have reshaped urban mobility. Industry advocates propose the development of state-supervised digital platforms that would modernize their services while operating within Morocco's legal framework. Traditional taxis have come under increasing scrutiny for persistent service problems that frustrate passengers. Customers regularly encounter drivers who refuse short-distance trips, practice selective service that avoids certain neighborhoods, and arbitrarily increase fares during peak hours or inclement weather. Many riders report uncomfortable experiences with meters that mysteriously malfunction, vehicles in poor condition, and confrontational interactions when discussing routes or fares. Read also: After Rocky Exit, Uber Signals Return to Morocco Through Marrakech The absence of digital payment options and lack of transparent pricing further diminish the appeal of conventional taxis, especially among younger Moroccans who value convenience and clarity. The government appears to recognize the need for change. Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit announced on Monday that studies are underway to modernize the transport sector. Speaking before the House of Representatives, Laftit acknowledged that 'the current taxi system is no longer sustainable and must be developed to meet the challenges.' He pledged a technology-driven approach to reform, aiming to create a system that meets citizens' needs without harming those employed in the sector. The minister had previously taken a firm stance on maintaining order, warning that any unauthorized attempts to interfere with ride-sharing drivers would face strict legal consequences, following numerous documented confrontations between taxi drivers and app-based service providers. The transportation reform has taken on heightened urgency as Morocco prepares to welcome global visitors for major international sporting events, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup. These prestigious tournaments will bring millions of international travelers expecting efficient, reliable transportation services, placing additional pressure on policymakers to resolve the sector's deep-rooted inefficiencies and modernize Morocco's urban mobility ecosystem. Tags: Moroccan TaxisMoroccan Transportationride-share app
Morocco World
4 days ago
- Morocco World
Morocco Launches Overhaul of Urban Bus Transport with $1.1 Billion National Program
Rabat – Morocco has set out on an ambitious reform of its public bus transport system, aiming to transform urban mobility across 84 cities and metropolitan areas between 2025 and 2029. Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit outlined the new strategy during a session in the House of Representatives on Monday, where he described the plan as a sharp break from past approaches to urban transport management. The program begins with 37 delegated local authorities, including 18 municipalities, 12 inter-municipal cooperation bodies, and 7 regional groupings. In this first phase, major cities such as Marrakech, Tangier, Tetouan, Agadir, Benslimane, and Fez are among the first to enter the transition. The state has earmarked MAD 11 billion ($1.1 billion) for the rollout. This funding covers the purchase of 3,746 new buses and the development of digital and physical infrastructure: ticketing systems, route planning and passenger information tools, parking areas, bus stops, signage, and maintenance facilities. 'This model turns the page on outdated methods,' said Laftit. He underlined three core principles: a clear separation between investment and daily operations, full public responsibility for infrastructure costs, and the introduction of tighter monitoring and performance controls. The financing structure rests on a three-way contribution: one-third from regional governments and two-thirds from Morocco's Road Transport Reform Support Fund. Contributions to this fund from the Ministries of Interior and Finance have increased from MAD 1 billion to MAD 1.5 billion ($100 million to $150 million), bringing the annual funding pool to MAD 3 billion ($300 million). The reform unfolds in three phases. In the first, six delegated authorities will oversee transport upgrades in 23 cities. Tenders have already been launched to appoint technical oversight teams, with engineering consultancies selected for cities like Marrakech, Tangier, Agadir, and Tetouan. At the same time, procurement efforts for 1,317 buses are underway through local development companies. Contracts have been awarded for 968 vehicles. The remaining 349 units will be subject to a second round of bidding after initial proposals fell short of technical requirements. The government has also opened tenders for smart ticketing systems and operational support platforms. Selected suppliers will be announced before mid-June. The second phase will extend to 24 more cities under 18 additional authorities. Plans include purchasing 827 new buses and recruiting future operators through competitive bidding. In the third and final phase, the government will target another 37 cities, working with 13 local authorities. This last stage will follow the expiry of existing transport contracts, paving the way for a full nationwide rollout. While these efforts mark a promising step toward improving public transport, many Moroccans remain skeptical. Urban buses in the country have long suffered from poor conditions, overcrowding, delays, and a lack of safety. Passengers often report harassment, theft, and frequent breakdowns, while accidents involving buses continue to raise serious concerns. Despite the planned overhaul, public confidence in the system remains low, and many believe that only sustained reform and strict oversight can restore trust. Tags: MoroccoMorocco transportMorocco urban busesTransportationurban buses
Morocco World
4 days ago
- Morocco World
Taxis vs Ride-Sharing Apps: Morocco Pledges Reforms for Modern Transport System
Rabat – Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit has responded to concerns about the ongoing, delicate challenges prompted by constant clashes between taxis and ride-sharing apps in Morocco. Efforts are ongoing to develop a new system for taxis, Laftit announced on Monday, noting that studies are being conducted to modernize the transport sector. Laftit's made the statement in response to MPs'' questions during a parliament session at the House of Representatives, where the minister stressed that the current taxi system is 'no longer sustainable and must be developed to meet the challenges.' He pledged a modern approach with technologies to tackle the situation, noting that the goal of a similar project is to establish a system that responds to the requirements of the current phase and meets citizens' aspirations without harming those working in the sector. Laftit's remarks come amid an ongoing delicate situation marked by constant clashes between taxis and ride-sharing applications, especially In-Drive. Over the past months, several reports and viral videos have documented the clashes between taxi drivers and ride-sharing app drivers. One of the latest incidents took place in December last year. Videos and eyewitness accounts of the clash documented scenes of physical violence (notably an exchange of punches and kicks) and verbal abuse. The incident began when taxi drivers chased a ride-sharing driver through the streets of Rabat, converging reports indicated, adding that the chase started when the ride-sharing driver picked up a passenger at Agdal train station. Many similar incidents have taken place over the years, dividing opinions across Morocco. Some have called on the Moroccan government to set up clear regulations overseeing ride-sharing applications operating in Morocco. In May, minister Laftit warned taxi drivers, stressing that any attempt to stop drivers working for ride-sharing apps by individuals or groups outside the competent legal authorities should be punished by law. Laftit also acknowledged that using private cars to transport people through apps without licenses is illegal, pledging that security forces are actively working to handle the situation. In March, professional taxi unions asked Morocco's High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA) to end broadcasting an in-Drive advertisement oin public television channels, like 2M. The unions argued that the decision to air promotional content for inDrive is a flagrant violation of national laws, especially since the ride-sharing application operates without proper licensing in Morocco. It remains to be seen whether Morocco's new project will tackle the ongoing saga between the two taxi drivers and ride-sharing applications, with the goal of appeasing both sides while above all ensuring the comfort of residents and citizens. Tags: indriveMoroccan Taxis
