Nayda, Rabat: Taxi Drivers Outraged After “Trust Licenses” Were Revoked Due to a 1-Dirham Fare Increase!

This case concerns the crisis that arose on the major taxi routes between the cities of Rabat and Salé after some drivers imposed a one-dirham increase in the fare, citing the provincial authorities’ failure to respond to the union’s list of demands within the legal timeframe. Those involved interpreted this as tacit approval, while security forces and local authorities insisted that the decision was unilateral and illegal. This led to widespread inspection campaigns and the revocation of operating permits (permits) from offending drivers to enforce discipline and protect citizens’ wallets and purchasing power.

Conversely, these measures sparked a wave of anger and protests among union representatives, as drivers staged partial strikes and sit-ins in key areas such as Bab al-Hadd, arguing that the license revocation is an “arbitrary” measure that undermines their social stability, and asserting that the transportation sector has suffered from a fare freeze for more than 14 years amid skyrocketing costs and maintenance expenses. The unions are calling for an explanation and an adjustment to the mechanisms through which drivers actually benefit from government fuel subsidies, as well as the opening of an urgent and responsible dialogue to regulate the sector, rather than relying solely on punitive measures.