Taxi Drivers Demand Fair Treatment Amidst Competition from Ride-Hailing Apps
In mid-July, taxi drivers operating from the Mohammed Diouri street in Casablanca expressed their frustration outside a prominent hotel, claiming that the hotel staff was undermining their business by directing customers to unlicensed ride-hailing applications instead of their authorized taxi station. The drivers argue that this practice not only diverts potential customers but also violates legal regulations governing transport services. Abderrahim Amaayache, the president of the taxi drivers' union, emphasized that their dispute is not with the hotels themselves, but rather with the ride-hailing apps that lack the necessary approvals from the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Tourism. He pointed out that, despite having a functioning taxi station that operates on a first-come, first-served basis, hotel employees are reportedly bypassing this system by promoting these unauthorized apps to their guests.
Despite repeated requests for comment, the management of the targeted hotel has remained silent, leaving the taxi drivers feeling unheard and frustrated. Zoubir Bouhout, a tourism expert, noted that there is no structural conflict between the hotel sector and taxi professionals, as both industries contribute to the same value chain for visitors. Instead, the core issue lies with the rise of ride-hailing applications that operate outside legal frameworks. M. Amaayache further questioned why the relevant authorities, such as the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Transport, and the Ministry of Tourism, have not implemented regulations to govern these emerging services.
Calls for Regulatory Oversight in the Transportation Sector
The situation highlights a broader conflict that transcends the immediate confrontation between taxi drivers and hoteliers. Legally, there is no obligation for hotels to utilize the taxi station located at their premises, and there is similarly little oversight governing the majority of ride-hailing applications. This lack of regulation has allowed practices detrimental to licensed taxi drivers to flourish. As Amaayache points out, the absence of a clear legal framework for these apps raises concerns about fairness and safety in the transportation sector. He has called for a thorough review and clarification of existing regulations to ensure that all transport services are properly organized and regulated. In late May, the Ministry of the Interior did announce a study aimed at regulating transportation applications, but until new policies are enacted, both sides remain entrenched in their positions.
As reported by maroc-hebdo.com.
