Taxi drivers across Morocco are calling for urgent reforms to ensure their inclusion in vehicle insurance policies, as current regulations only cover passengers while excluding drivers from protection in case of accidents.
The Democratic Transport Union has criticized the current system, which obligates taxi owners to insure passengers (three in small taxis and six in large taxis) while leaving drivers vulnerable. The union is urging authorities to mandate insurance coverage for professional drivers, emphasizing the need to safeguard their lives and livelihoods.
The union has instructed its branches nationwide to submit formal requests to relevant authorities, pushing for the inclusion of taxi drivers in insurance policies. It also plans to engage in direct negotiations with regulators to find urgent solutions to this long-standing issue.
Samir Farabi, Secretary-General of the Democratic Transport Union, highlighted the dangers faced by taxi drivers daily, pointing out that many suffer injuries or fatalities in accidents but receive no compensation due to their lack of insurance coverage. He stressed that ensuring drivers’ safety is a fundamental right and called on taxi owners to recognize their responsibility toward the workforce.
The issue is particularly pressing in regions like Souss-Massa, where industry professionals report that taxi drivers lack coverage not only for accidents but also for civil liability. Hassan Abou El Mahassen, regional secretary-general for taxi drivers in the Democratic Transport Union, emphasized that this gap in coverage affects all drivers across the country and requires intervention from local governors and transportation officials.
Some employers refuse to insure their drivers, forcing them to bear the financial and legal consequences of accidents. However, a small number of taxi owners who also drive their own vehicles do provide insurance for themselves. Drivers are now urging the Ministry of Transport to impose stricter regulations on taxi operators, ensuring that all professional drivers receive the same protection as their passengers.
As the debate intensifies, taxi drivers and their unions continue to press for legal reforms, warning that failure to address this issue could put more lives at risk and worsen working conditions for thousands of drivers nationwide.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.