Rabat – Clashes between taxi drivers and ridesharing cab drivers continue to be a pressing problem in Morocco, escalating into violent incidents that spark safety concerns among passengers.
An online viral video documenting a violent attack in Casablanca by taxi drivers against a ridesharing driver –apparently working with inDrive – has reignited the debate over the legitimacy of taxi drivers’ opposition to ridesharing apps, and whether their concerns are justified or an extreme overreaction.
Over the weekend, this viral video was widely reshared.
The driver, who was with a client, documented the scene of violence when a taxi driver climbed onto the windshield, causing damage to the car.
The video depicted the client’s panic attack as she screamed, begging the taxi drivers to not hurt her or the driver.
“Brother please, stop,” the passenger was heard saying, while the driver was filming the attack.
Moroccan television channel 2M said authorities in Casablanca “responded swiftly and seriously” to the incident, noting that research revealed that the situation is a “legal matter handled by the national security services in Casablanca.”
“Police intervention led to the arrest of both individuals,” 2M reported , noting that an investigation is ongoing to determine all the circumstances and background of the case.
The video has been widely shared among social network users, condemning the ambiguous regulations on ridesharing apps in Morocco.
Locals have also called on Moroccan authorities to intervene to address the situation.
“A scandal as taxi drivers attack an employee from inDrive in Casablanca. This is too much, where are the authorities,” one Facebook user wrote.
Almohaid, a local Facebook page, posted about the incident, asking its followers about their reactions to the attack against inDrive driver.
“What is your opinion on the aggressive behavior of the taxi drivers? Is there any regulated law regarding this?” the page wrote, attracting dozens of angry comments from citizens.
Several ridesharing applications in addition to inDrive are active in Morocco, including Careem, Yassir, and Yango.
This has caused consternation from local taxi drivers, who have held several protests, accusing the apps of operating their businesses unlawfully.
Authorities have made multiple statements to distance themselves from association with the mobile applications, noting that some have been operating unlawfully.
In December 2020, the governorate of Casablanca announced that the application Yassir, connecting users with taxi drivers is “illegal.”
“The Wilaya (state) of Casablanca did not deliver any authorization for the company ‘Yassir Maroc SARL’ to manage public transportation in Casablanca or put customers in contact with vehicle owners,” local authorities said in a statement relayed by Morocco’s state media.
In this context, most recently in July 2023, the Casablanca Settat region accused foreign transportation company Yango of violating local laws and regulations.
According to the authorities, neither Yango nor any other companies offering similar services have been granted licenses to operate using private vehicles for public transport purposes.
Despite being illegal, many applications continue to carry out their services across Morocco.
