Morocco Cracks Down on Unlicensed Ride-Hailing Services Amid Taxi Tensions

In response to a written question from the Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS) on the tension between taxi drivers and users of smart transportation applications, Laftit specified that the clashes that occur between taxi drivers and certain non-professional drivers who use private cars to offer transportation services via smart applications are limited cases. He also assured that the security authorities concerned are taking the necessary measures and procedures to deal with all acts that threaten the safety of people or endanger their property. In addition, the offenders are brought before the competent judicial authorities to take the necessary sanctions.

The use of private vehicles to offer transportation services without a license is an illegal practice, as the law stipulates that passenger transportation service providers must obtain a prior license to engage in this activity. They must also hold a professional driver’s card and a license issued by the local authorities for taxi drivers.

The minister has expressed the willingness of his department to support the actors and professionals of the taxis wishing to adopt the smart applications to offer their services. Thus, he reported that a number of specialized companies that have developed digital services and platforms allowing users to book taxis immediately or in advance have been supported. And these companies have already obtained the necessary licenses to carry out their activities in compliance with the laws and regulations in force. According to Laftit’s explanations, prefectural decisions have been issued to determine the conditions and procedures for the exercise of the activity of connecting the client and the taxi driver through modern technological means.