Rabat – Tensions have reached a breaking point between Taxi drivers and the two transport services, Uber and Careem. Demands to prohibit these two apps continue in Casablanca.
The Alliance of Trade Unions representing taxi drivers in Morocco has urged the National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) to ban on the use of Uber and Careem. These two applications represent unfair competition to Taxi drivers, according to Al Sabah in its April 4 edition.
The complainants pointed out that transport services must be reserved for the exclusive use of professionals who practice lawfully. They went as far as to say that these two applications “threaten social peace and security,” added Al Sabah.
The newspaper recalled that transport professionals had initially addressed several officials, including the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Employment, the Minister of the Interior and the patron of the police, Abdellatif Hammouchi, to demand restrictions on shared ride services, like those of Uber and Careem.
Taxi drivers, especially in Casablanca, have never accepted the arrival of Uber and Careem. Their anger has, on many occasions, degenerated into clashes with drivers who use these two applications. On occasions, it has resulted in ambushes followed by physical assaults.
Uber is an American transport network company that operates in more than 570 cities worldwide, including Casablanca. It has become the most recognized alternative to regular Taxis, connecting drivers with passengers directly and offering cheaper prices.
Careem is an Emirati company for car-booking, operating in 53 cities, including Rabat and Casablanca. It also targets customers with frequent discounts.
