Meknes Considers Ban on Uber, Careem Amid Taxi Driver Protests

In an internal memo, the governor of Meknes expresses his intention to ban carpooling apps like Uber or Careem, reports Morocco Word News. This note follows the complaints of the union committees representing the interests of the city’s taxi drivers. They claim not to have the necessary licenses and qualifications to carry out the work. "These practices are contrary to the law and have a negative impact on the normal process of this highly regulated sector, the memo states. It is also an unregulated competition that could collaterally undermine the principles of equality of citizens."

Since the appearance of carpooling apps in Morocco, tensions have been high between taxi drivers and those who offer these apps. Drivers denounce unfair competition and criticize carpooling companies for the lack of regulatory oversight. Companies like Careem may try to ease tensions by finding agreements with drivers so that they can use their apps, but coexistence remains almost impossible.