Taxis and VTC: The Ministry of the Interior Lays the Foundations for a Comprehensive Reform of the Sector
Urban Transport Reform Takes Center Stage in Morocco
After being long postponed, the urban transport reform project is once again a priority for the Ministry of the Interior. Faced with the rise of ride-hailing applications and persistent tensions between digital platforms and taxi drivers, Rabat is preparing to overhaul the regulatory framework for the sector.
In a response addressed to the House of Representatives, Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit confirmed that a fundamental review is underway to adapt passenger transport organization to new urban and technological realities. The ministry states that it is drawing from the unique characteristics of the Moroccan model and several successful foreign experiences.
Digital Transport Applications Dilemma
At the heart of the discussions is the role of digital platforms which have become essential in major Moroccan cities. For several years, the expansion of ride-hailing apps has fostered a near-constant state of confrontation with taxi professionals, who argue that the competition is illegal.
The ministry is now seeking to establish clearer guidelines. Authorities are working on legal and regulatory mechanisms intended to govern the use of apps in passenger transport, while striving to maintain a balance between technological innovation and adherence to industry regulations.
Minister Abdelouafi Laftit emphasizes that any transport or intermediation activity requires prior authorization, even when facilitated through a digital platform. Authorities believe that some companies continue to operate outside the legal framework despite warnings and actions taken against them.
Modernizing a Pressured Sector
Beyond regulatory challenges, the government aims to accelerate the modernization of a sector that has repeatedly faced criticism for the quality of its services and its outdated operational methods.
Authorities are already supporting various digitization projects that allow for taxi bookings via mobile applications, digital platforms, or call centers. This evolution responds to the rapid transformation in mobility patterns within large urban areas of the Kingdom.
The ministry also intends to enhance the oversight of licensing and improve the working conditions for professionals in the field. Road control services have intensified field operations to combat unauthorized activities and violations related to passenger transport.
A Sensitive Economic and Social Issue
The reform impacts a sector that is particularly sensitive from both economic and social perspectives. The licensing system, working conditions for drivers, and competition from digital platforms have been sources of tension for years in several Moroccan cities.
Rabat also aims to focus on training to support this transition. The ministry plans to enhance programs for professional drivers to improve service quality, user interactions, and the integration of technological tools.
Ultimately, the authorities seek to prevent a strategic sector for urban mobility from descending into uncontrolled deregulation. Amid social pressure, digital transformation, and growing user expectations, the issues surrounding taxis and ride-hailing services now represent a significant test for the Kingdom’s urban modernization policy.
