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.