The decision by the authorities of the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region to withdraw trust licenses from several large taxi drivers has sparked a heated debate over the impact of rising fuel prices and the benefits of government support for the sector. The drivers had unilaterally increased their fares by one dirham, prompting the authorities to take action. The move has raised concerns about the welfare of taxi drivers and the impact on the sector as a whole.
Samir Al-Farabi, Secretary-General of the Democratic Transport Union, has denounced the fare hike as illegal, stating that it is not based on any decision allowing drivers to adjust their rates. He emphasized that any changes to prices must be subject to labor decisions regulating the sector. Al-Farabi also criticized the way the exceptional government support for taxi drivers is being disbursed, describing it as indirect support.
Al-Farabi argued that the support is not reaching some drivers, as it is being paid to the taxi owners who then transfer it to the drivers. He claimed that some owners are not passing on the support, which is a breach of trust. He called on drivers who are being denied the support to take their cases to court and file lawsuits against the owners. The union has previously warned about the problems in the sector.
The controversy highlights the challenges faced by taxi drivers, who are struggling with rising fuel prices and limited job opportunities. Al-Farabi noted that some drivers are being forced to continue working under unfavorable conditions, with owners demanding a daily fee of up to 750 dirhams in some cities. He cited the example of the city of Bouznika, where the daily fee is the highest in the country.
Al-Farabi argued that the problems in the sector go beyond just rising fuel prices or fare hikes, and that there is a need for a comprehensive overhaul of the sector. He called for a new law to regulate the sector and ensure the rights of professionals. The union has previously proposed an electronic system to ensure that taxi owners allocate part of the government support to drivers.
The sector has been plagued by problems, including the exploitation of drivers by owners. Al-Farabi noted that some owners are not fulfilling their obligations, and that the electronic system proposed by the union has not been effective in addressing the issue. He emphasized that the situation is difficult for drivers, who have limited job opportunities and are forced to work under unfavorable conditions.
The controversy over taxi fare hikes in Rabat highlights the need for a comprehensive solution to the problems facing the sector. The government support for taxi drivers has been criticized for being indirect and not reaching some drivers. A new law regulating the sector and ensuring the rights of professionals is seen as a necessary step to address the challenges faced by taxi drivers.
Key points
- The withdrawal of trust licenses from taxi drivers has sparked a controversy over fare hikes in Rabat.
- The government support for taxi drivers has been criticized for being indirect and not reaching some drivers.
- A new law regulating the sector and ensuring the rights of professionals is seen as necessary to address the challenges faced by taxi drivers.
