A new conflict is brewing in Casablanca…
This time, it’s between petit taxi drivers and some of the city’s biggest hotels.
The National Taxi Union accuses several hotels of directing tourists toward ride-hailing apps instead of the official taxi ranks located outside their entrances. Some drivers even allege that hotel staff receive commissions for referring customers to these services. These allegations have not been proven.
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To protest the situation, dozens of petit taxi drivers staged a sit-in outside a major hotel on Mohammed Diouri Street, claiming they are being unfairly excluded from serving hotel guests despite operating from authorized taxi stations.
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According to the union, the issue extends beyond a single establishment.
Drivers say several hotels have increasingly relied on mobile transport platforms, reducing opportunities for licensed taxis and threatening their livelihoods.
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The controversy comes as Morocco continues debating the regulation of ride-hailing services.
While these apps have become increasingly popular with residents and tourists, questions remain over their legal framework and how they should coexist with the country’s traditional taxi system.
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For taxi drivers, the concern is simple:
They argue that if official taxi ranks are ignored in favor of app-based services, licensed professionals are placed at an unfair disadvantage despite complying with existing regulations.
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The dispute is likely to reignite discussions about the future of urban transport in Casablanca, as authorities seek a balance between innovation, consumer choice and fair competition.
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As ride-hailing apps reshape mobility across Morocco, the challenge is no longer choosing between taxis and technology… it’s finding a system where both can compete under clear and fair rules.
