Morocco’s Interior Minister, Abdelouafi Laftit, announced plans on Tuesday to regulate ride-hailing app services, addressing long-standing tensions between traditional taxi drivers and app-based transport operators, during his comments at the Upper House’s weekly session.
He confirmed that the ministry is conducting a detailed study to legalize these platforms, local media reported.
“We cannot officially integrate ride-hailing apps (VTCs), but we also cannot ignore them,” Laftit said. “The current context forces us to consider all transport developments.” He assured that solutions would be introduced soon to provide a legal framework for these services while maintaining fairness in the transport sector.
Taxi drivers are also moving toward modernization during a meeting on Tuesday industry representatives met to discuss modernizing the current system.
Drivers highlighted the urgent need to digitize their taxi services to stay competitive. They proposed a common mobile app for taxis, integrating electronic payments and post-service tracking to improve transparency and customer trust.
For many drivers, the adoption of digital tools is key to ensuring their survival in a market increasingly dominated by ride-hailing platforms. In Agadir, for example, the “Wink Taxi” app has already modernized urban transport by allowing passengers to book taxis the same way they would a ride-hailing app. Taxi drivers now want to expand similar solutions nationwide.
However, they also insist on stricter regulations for ride-hailing drivers. They propose introducing a mandatory professional license for anyone operating under these apps, ensuring that all drivers meet legal and safety standards.
Taxi drivers have long accused ride-hailing services of operating in legal uncertainty. They argue that app-based drivers are not bound by the same regulations and licensing fees, creating unfair competition.
Meanwhile, ride-hailing drivers argue that the existing taxi system is outdated and that they provide a much-needed alternative for consumers. Many have called for official recognition of their status, pushing for clear regulations that allow them to operate legally.
The Interior Ministry’s announcement comes after years of pressure from both sides. Laftit invited all stakeholders to engage in dialogue to find a balanced solution that modernizes urban transport while ensuring fair competition.