Is There a Taxi App in Marrakech?

A Comprehensive Guide to Getting Around the City

Marrakech, the vibrant, bustling city in Morocco, is known for its blend of ancient traditions and modern amenities. Navigating its streets, whether to explore the rich culture or simply move from point A to point B, can be an adventure in itself. One of the most important questions for travelers and locals alike is, "How can I get a taxi in Marrakech?" In recent years, ride-hailing apps like Uber, inDriver, and local options like Taxi Vert have changed the way people get around. But which option is best for you, and how safe is it to use these services compared to traditional taxis?

In this article, we'll explore the different ways you can catch a taxi in Marrakech, the pricing, the comparison between taxi apps and traditional taxis, and the safety aspects of each.

1. Traditional Taxis in Marrakech

Traditional taxis are one of the most common ways to get around Marrakech. There are two types of taxis: the smaller "Petit Taxis" and the larger "Grand Taxis."

• Petit Taxis: These small vehicles, usually a beige or yellowish color, can carry up to three passengers. They are meant for intra-city travel and are metered. However, it's common for drivers to ignore the meter, especially with tourists, so be prepared to negotiate fares before starting the trip.
• Grand Taxis: These are larger, often older vehicles, that operate both within the city and for longer distances. They can carry up to six passengers and are often shared with other travelers. Grand taxis are more common for inter-city travel or airport transfers.

Pricing for Traditional Taxis:

• For Petit Taxis, the starting fare is generally around 7 MAD during the day and around 10 MAD at night. Depending on your distance, fares can range between 10 to 50 MAD (approximately $1 to $5 USD).
• Grand Taxis have varying fares based on distance and destination. A trip from Marrakech to a nearby city like Essaouira could cost anywhere from 200 to 400 MAD depending on negotiation and number of passengers.

How to Get a Traditional Taxi:

• Hail a taxi from the street, especially around busy areas like Jemaa el-Fnaa or Gueliz.
• If you are near a hotel or tourist spot, taxis are likely to line up outside, making it easy to grab one.

2. Taxi Apps in Marrakech: Revolutionizing Urban Mobility

With the rise of ride-hailing apps, Marrakech has seen an increase in digital alternatives to traditional taxis. Three major platforms dominate the market: Uber, inDriver, and Taxi Vert. Let’s dive into the pros, cons, pricing, and safety aspects of each service.

2.1. Uber: Not Available in Marrakech

As of now, Uber does not operate in Marrakech or anywhere in Morocco. There have been attempts to introduce the service in larger cities like Casablanca, but local taxi unions and government regulations have made it difficult for Uber to establish a foothold. As a result, Uber isn't an option in Marrakech, leaving travelers and locals to choose between other taxi apps or traditional taxis.

2.2. inDriver: The Bargaining App

inDriver is a ride-hailing app that operates differently from Uber. Instead of automatically calculating fares, inDriver allows passengers to propose a price for their ride, and nearby drivers can accept or counter-offer.

How it Works:

1. You download the app and set your pickup location and destination.
2. You propose a fare that you’re willing to pay.
3. Nearby drivers can either accept your fare or propose a different price.
4. Once you agree with a driver, you confirm the ride.

Pros of inDriver:

• Price flexibility: You have more control over what you pay. In high-demand times, you can increase your fare, and in low-demand times, you can offer a lower price.
• Wide availability: inDriver is gaining popularity among local drivers, making it easier to find a ride, even in busy areas.

Cons of inDriver:

• Lack of fare consistency: The price isn't fixed, which means you could end up paying more during peak times or if drivers refuse your offer.
• Communication challenges: Some drivers may not speak English, making it difficult to negotiate fares if you don't speak Arabic or French.

Pricing on inDriver: While there’s no fixed price, a typical fare for a short trip across the city could range between 15 to 50 MAD, depending on your proposed fare and the driver’s acceptance.

2.3. Taxi Vert: The Local Favorite

Taxi Vert is a homegrown Moroccan ride-hailing app that offers a reliable alternative to traditional taxis. The app provides a modern interface, similar to Uber or Lyft, but tailored for the Moroccan market.

How it Works:

1. Download the Taxi Vert app and register.
2. Select your pickup location and destination.
3. The app shows a fixed fare for your ride, and you can book a taxi based on availability.
4. You can track your driver’s location in real-time.

Pros of Taxi Vert:

• Fixed pricing: You don’t need to negotiate fares, as the app calculates a set price based on your destination.
• Safety features: Taxi Vert provides information about the driver and vehicle, and you can share your trip details with friends or family for extra security.
• No haggling: Many travelers prefer this app because it eliminates the need for fare negotiations, which can be stressful for some.

Cons of Taxi Vert:

• Limited availability: Taxi Vert isn’t as widely available as traditional taxis or inDriver, so in more remote areas, you may have difficulty finding a ride.
• Slightly higher prices: Compared to inDriver, Taxi Vert can be more expensive, particularly during peak times.

Pricing on Taxi Vert: A short trip within the city typically costs between 15 and 40 MAD, depending on distance and traffic conditions.

3. Comparing Taxi Apps vs. Traditional Taxis

3.1. Pricing

• Traditional Taxis: Prices are usually negotiable, but the absence of a meter (or refusal to use one) means you could pay more, especially if you’re a tourist.
• inDriver: Offers the most flexible pricing, as you get to propose a fare, making it potentially cheaper than traditional taxis.
• Taxi Vert: Provides a fair, fixed price, but it might be slightly higher than inDriver or a well-negotiated traditional taxi.

3.2. Convenience

• Traditional Taxis: You can hail a taxi on the street, but finding one during busy hours or in less touristy areas can be challenging.
• inDriver & Taxi Vert: Both apps offer convenience through pre-booking and GPS tracking. You can schedule a ride from your phone without needing to walk around searching for a taxi.

3.3. Safety

• Traditional Taxis: Generally safe, though it's essential to be cautious about overcharging or haggling disputes. Always ensure the driver is reputable, especially late at night.
• inDriver & Taxi Vert: Both apps provide more safety features than traditional taxis. You receive information about the driver and car, and apps like Taxi Vert even allow trip-sharing for added security.

4. Important Remark: Lack of Organized Taxi Regulation in Morocco

One crucial point to be aware of is that Morocco, including Marrakech, lacks a well-organized regulatory framework for taxi apps. While services like inDriver and Taxi Vert do offer some safety measures, they are not as strictly regulated as similar services in other countries. This means that if you encounter a problem with a driver—whether it's poor service, overcharging, or a dispute—there is no robust legal structure to file complaints or ensure customer protection. In such cases, you may find yourself without a clear recourse, unlike in countries where services like Uber are heavily monitored and offer strong customer support.

This makes it essential for users to be cautious when using ride-hailing apps in Morocco. Always ensure you review the driver’s profile, check the vehicle details, and, if possible, share your trip with someone you trust.

An important issue to be aware of is the ongoing conflict between traditional taxi drivers and ride-hailing app services in Morocco. This conflict has escalated in some cities, sometimes resulting in violent confrontations. Traditional taxi drivers, who view ride-hailing apps as unfair competition, have been known to harass or even attack drivers working for services like inDriver or Taxi Vert.

In certain cases, drivers using these apps have been surrounded or threatened by traditional taxi drivers. For this reason, it is recommended that tourists avoid using ride-hailing apps to prevent potentially dangerous situations. A simple ride could quickly turn into a stressful or even terrifying experience if tensions escalate. For visitors unfamiliar with local dynamics, sticking to traditional taxis or using a highly rated service like Taxi Vert is often the safest option.

5. Which Option is Safest?

When it comes to safety, Taxi Vert tends to be the preferred option for locals and tourists alike. The ability to track your ride, the transparency of fixed pricing, and the sharing of trip details make it the safest bet.

inDriver also has safety features like driver profiles, but because of its open pricing model, it’s essential to use the app wisely. Proposing too low a fare might deter reputable drivers, and the bargaining process could open up room for misunderstandings.

Traditional taxis are generally safe but come with the risk of overcharging or drivers refusing to use meters. For women traveling alone or families with children, using an app like Taxi Vert could provide added peace of mind.

6. Conclusion: Which Taxi Option Should You Choose?

Choosing between a traditional taxi, inDriver, or Taxi Vert in Marrakech depends on your priorities.

• Budget-conscious travelers may prefer inDriver for its flexible pricing.
• If you want reliability and safety features, Taxi Vert is a better choice, though it may cost slightly more.
• For those who prefer spontaneity and don’t want to use an app, traditional taxis are a convenient option, but be ready to negotiate.

Ultimately, Marrakech offers a variety of transportation options to suit your needs. Whether you’re a local commuting to work or a tourist exploring the city’s magic, there’s a way to get around that fits your budget, safety concerns, and convenience preferences.