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Join on Telegram Rabat – Providing transportation services using private vehicles through mobile applications without proper licensing is in direct violation of existing laws, according to Interior Minster, Abdelouafi Laftit.
In a written answer to an MP question earlier this month, Laftit weighed in on the contentious battle between traditional taxis and app-based hailing services.
While illegal, ride-hailing applications are becoming increasingly popular in Morocco, especially in major cities. Their popularity does not go unnoticed by taxi drivers, who consider these companies unfair competition.
The feud between taxi drivers and drivers of these ride-hailing apps, such as InDrive, has been brewing in recent months, culminating in acts of physical violence. In March, disturbing videos of taxi drivers attacking an InDrive in Casablanca went viral, giving rise to calls for the government to legalize the application.
“Those involved – in using applications to offer transit services – expose themselves to sanctions stipulated by the royal decree and Law No. 52.05 on the Road Code,” he stressed.
The controversy surrounding the legalization of ride-hailing apps surged into public discourse following InDrive’s announcement of adding motorcycles to their service offerings. The development sparked widespread ridicule among Moroccan social media users, who humorously speculated on taxi drivers’ predictable opposition to any innovation introduced by InDrive.
The minister revealed that his department is increasing cooperation with other governmental agencies to crack down on individuals offering unlicensed transportation services.
He further hinted that the government is working to improve access to taxi services using modern technologies.
According to the minister, the government is actively working to “contain the growth of unsafe and unregulated transport activities, ensure passenger safety and the quality of services provided.”
The legislation would equally “prevent any disruption to the balance of the transport system or harm to the interests of professionals in transport who respect current laws in this field,” he continued.
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