Fès Taxi Drivers to Hike Fares Unilaterally, Sparking Passenger Outrage

The taxi drivers in the city of Fès, without notifying the local authorities, have decided to apply new rates as of February 21. Thus, the daytime fare should increase to 7 DH instead of the 4 set by the local authorities, and the night fare to 10.5 DH instead of 7.

This decision follows "sterile discussions and meetings, for two years, without achieving positive results that could serve the interests of the sector and its professionals," says the local coordination of Fès taxis, which had requested a fare increase due to the soaring price of diesel.

About fifteen associations intend to apply this decision, as they believe "the driver is wronged... He can remain at the wheel for 12 hours in a row to earn a revenue that varies according to his speed and the journeys he makes," reports les Ecos.

Users, on the other hand, intend to boycott the taxis to express their disapproval of the drivers’ decision. They also denounce the lack of responsiveness of the authorities in charge of controlling and regulating the sector. Other associative actors, while denouncing the illegal nature of this decision, have called on the city authorities to take their responsibilities. For the latter, this decision will not be without socioeconomic consequences for the population.