Morocco's Taxi Unions Urge HACA to Ban inDrive Ad on Public TV

Morocco World

14-03-2025

Doha – Professional taxi unions have petitioned Morocco's High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA) to cease broadcasting an inDrive advertisement on the public television channel 2M, denouncing it as a provocation to industry professionals.
According to converging media reports, the unions submitted a joint statement claiming that 2M's decision to air promotional content for inDrive, which they assert operates without proper licensing in Morocco, prompted them to seek immediate intervention from HACA.
'A flagrant violation'
The unions characterized the advertisement as 'a flagrant violation of national laws' and 'a serious threat to the taxi sector's interests.'
In their appeal, the unions pointed out that inDrive operates without the necessary permits required under Royal Decree No. 1.63.260.
Their petition cited multiple legal frameworks, including Interior Ministry Circular No. 19959 from November 1, 2022, which mandates monitoring illegal transport activities.
They also referenced Consumer Protection Circular No. 455, and Law 104.12 concerning price freedom and competition.
This latest confrontation marks another chapter in the prolonged struggle between Morocco's traditional taxi services and digital ride-hailing platforms.
In a notable incident on November 29, 2024, a confrontation erupted in Casablanca involving taxi drivers and a Russian businessman utilizing inDrive's services.
The altercation reportedly resulted in injuries to the businessman and his wife when they attempted to intervene in the dispute.
Law enforcement authorities promptly arrested the taxi drivers involved, and the case was referred to court.
In response, inDrive issued a statement condemning the attack as a 'serious violation of the law' and called for a thorough investigation, asserting its position as a 'responsible taxpayer and employer' operating in compliance with local regulations.
In yet another incident in December 2024, authorities apprehended three taxi drivers in Rabat following a dangerous pursuit of a ride-sharing vehicle near the Prince Moulay Abdellah Complex.
The chase, which was captured on video and widely circulated online, resulted in material damage to multiple vehicles and culminated in a roadside confrontation.
These incidents lay bare the escalating clash between traditional taxi operators and digital platforms like inDrive, Yango, and Careem, whose operations teeter on the edge of legality within Morocco's transportation sector.
On the edge of legality
While these companies maintain official business status in Morocco, their transportation services lack formal recognition under current regulations.
Addressing the situation, Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit announced in January that the government is conducting comprehensive research to explore potential regulations for the sector.
During a House of Councillors meeting, Laftit acknowledged the necessity for dialogue, stating, 'We must sit down and find a solution. We cannot continue like this.'
He further noted that while ride-hailing services cannot be formally integrated yet, 'we also cannot pretend they do not exist.'
The taxi unions have also forwarded their concerns to the Minister of Interior, requesting intervention regarding the advertisement's broadcast on public television.
Meanwhile, former Transportation Minister Mohamed Abdeljalil had emphasized in March 2024 the importance of achieving consensus among public transportation stakeholders before implementing regulations for ride-sharing applications.
He then noted that 'small and grand taxis are fulfilling an important role and providing services for Moroccan citizens as they handle the primary public transport needs in Morocco.'
The debate has taken on renewed urgency as Morocco gears up to host major international events, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
With millions of visitors expected, the demand for streamlined, reliable transportation is set to surge, heightening pressure on policymakers to address the sector's deep-rooted inefficiencies.
On another front, traditional taxi services remain under fire for their rigid pricing structures and selective service practices, which many argue stifle competition.
Beyond these issues, the sector is plagued by a deep-seated monopoly system that allows taxi permits to be inherited, fueling economic rent-seeking rather than promoting a fair, merit-based industry.
Union representatives continue to push for sweeping reforms, demanding a more equitable permit system that prioritizes professional drivers' rights and ensures proper social security coverage. Tags: indriveride-share apptaxis in Morocco