from Morocco Morocco has
formally banned ride-hailing apps such as Bolt and Yango, a move that is a major victory for the country’s taxi unions. The Ministry of Transport and Logistics announced the ban, stating that private drivers on these platforms have “no legal basis” under Moroccan transport law, clarifying that Moroccan law “does not recognise app-based private vehicle transportation.” The decision follows
rising tensions between
traditional taxi drivers and ride-hailing services. Taxi unions alleged “unfair competition,” arguing that app-based drivers offered variable fares while avoiding the regulatory burdens faced by licensed taxis. Conversely, app-based drivers argued they were simply meeting demand, citing riders’ preference for the convenience and efficiency of digital booking. The ruling confirms that ride-hailing operations existed in a “legal grey area.” Both the Ministry of Transport and Logistics and the Ministry of the Interior have taken a strong stance. Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit stated in parliament that unauthorised passenger transport “violates Morocco’s transport and road safety laws.” The Ministry of Transport warned that private car drivers offering paid transport are “breaching the law and risk imprisonment or fines.” While welcomed by taxi unions, the ban leaves a gap in Morocco’s transport system, as commuters increasingly relied on these digital platforms for convenience and efficiency. This development in Morocco is part of a broader trend across Africa, where governments are attempting to regulate new digital transport platforms while protecting established transport sectors. Other African nations, including Senegal, Togo, Cameroon, Algeria, and Tunisia, have taken similar actions to address regulatory and compliance issues with ride-hailing services.
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WORLDWIDE TAXI FOCUS from Australia
MOROCCO SHUTS DOWN RIDE-HAILING APPS IN WIN FOR TAXI UNIONS
TRIPLED FINES FOR DODGY NEW SOUTH WALES TAXI DRIVERS
New South Wales has significantly increased penalties for taxi drivers who commit fare-related offences, tripling the fine for a first offence from $1,000 to $3,000. This move is in response to incidents such as a driver charging an overseas family $188 for a 13km trip from Sydney Airport to the central business district. That driver was fined $2,000 for the offence. The increased penalty is intended to deter drivers who overcharge, refuse to use their metres, or refuse a fare. Quotes from officials highlight the zero-tolerance stance: Transport Minister John Graham said: “Tripling the penalty for first-time offences should serve as a big flashing light to any taxi driver doing the wrong thing that the NSW Government has zero tolerance for rip- offs and rackets being conducted from the driver’s seat of a cab.” He also added: “The vast majority of cab drivers are honest and upstanding and I want to thank the industry for working with us to protect their reputation by weeding out rogue cabbies.” The NSW Taxi Council welcomed the change, with CEO Nick Abrahim stating: “The NSW Taxi Council commends the NSW government for adopting the tougher penalties, which is a part of the NSW Taxi Council Four Point Plan, focusing on weeding out drivers who are tarnishing the good work delivered by the majority of our cabbies.” The Point to Point Transport Commissioner, Anthony Wing, noted his team had issued over one thousand $1,000 fines for fare-related offences in the past two years, reinforcing that: “I take fare-related offences seriously – all passengers travelling in a taxi should feel confident they are getting a fair fare.” The increased fine follows the recent announcement of a flat $60 rate trial for trips from Sydney Airport to destinations in the 2000 postcode (the CBD) over a two-year period, designed to prevent inconsistent fares. The changes come as the taxi industry faces stiff competition from ride share services. Airport data shows that in 2018, taxis accounted for 57% of airport pick-ups and drop-offs, but this dropped to just 27% in June 2024.
NOVEMBER 2025 PHTM
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