Transport through smart applications: The Ministry of the Interior reaffirms the requirement for prior authorization.
Tensions Rise Between Moroccan Authorities and Ride-Hailing Services
The tug-of-war between Moroccan authorities and digital passenger transport platforms has taken a new turn. The Ministry of the Interior has come forward to clarify: no passenger transport activity—whether conducted through traditional channels or mobile apps—can be tolerated without prior approval from the competent services.
This clarification, reported by the daily newspaper Al Ahdath Al Maghribia in its May 26 issue, follows a written inquiry from a member of parliament. The ministry, led by Mohamed Hassad, provides a blunt assessment: several operators in the sector continue to operate their apps to offer transport services that lack any legal framework, disregarding official warnings and ongoing legal actions against them.
However, the ministry’s tone is not solely punitive. Central services, in collaboration with provincial authorities, acknowledge the potential benefits of digital tools in modernizing a sector that is in desperate need of updates. In this context, the authorities express their support for pilot projects that enable users to hail or reserve taxis in advance through mobile apps, online platforms, or certified call numbers.
Moreover, the Ministry of the Interior supports initiatives driven by local authorities, intercommunities, and regional development companies as long as they contribute to enhancing urban mobility. The introduction of modern management systems, which promise higher service quality and increased efficiency on the ground, is also among the supported initiatives.
Yet, the ministry does not shy away from acknowledging the complexity of the situation. It admits that the taxi sector is burdened by deep-rooted dysfunctions and structural challenges that hinder its progress. A comprehensive strategic study has been launched to analyze the entire system, with its first phase already providing a detailed assessment of the legal, organizational, and operational frameworks.
Ultimately, this roadmap aims to lay the foundations for a profound overhaul of the profession, inspired by successful international models. The stated objective is clear: to carve out a middle path between the essential openness to technological innovation and the protection of the balances in a sensitive sector that provides thousands of direct jobs across the Kingdom.
