Taxi Unions Celebrate as Morocco Bans Ride-Hailing Apps
The Moroccan government’s recent decision to shut down ride-hailing app services has been met with jubilation from the country’s taxi unions. This victory for traditional taxi drivers marks the culmination of a long-standing battle against the rapidly growing popularity of app-based transportation services like Bolt and Yango, seen as a threat to their livelihoods. The ban effectively eliminates competition from private drivers who, until now, offered passenger transport without the necessary legal permits.
Legal and Regulatory Framework
The Ministry of Transport and Logistics announced that ride-hailing apps are no longer permitted to operate in Morocco. The primary reason cited is the lack of proper authorization for private drivers using these platforms. According to Moroccan law, the transportation of passengers requires official government approval. This regulatory requirement is not met by app-based ride services, which typically utilize private vehicles and drivers without the required licenses and permits. This stance demonstrates Morocco’s commitment to regulating the passenger transport sector and ensuring compliance with existing legal frameworks. The move underscores the ongoing challenges faced by ride-hailing services in various African nations as they navigate complex regulatory environments.
Keywords
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