MARRAKECH & TAXIS

A SMART COMBINATION ?!

Gare Marrakech, calling a taxi

Life with a taxi makes my daily life better. But, as with everything else, you must first "read through the manual carefully" :)

I am a frequent "city and medina user" taxi; even if I have a car, I still use a taxi when I need to be in the Medina. The same in other cities. I park my car in a secure and recognisable place and do the rest by taxi.

If you are used to taking a taxi in most western countries, you have to reverse your expectations a little.

I have never been to a new taxi in the last 12 years. Taxis are workhorses. Each one has three drivers assigned ( 24 hours service).

A further difference with some other countries is that a taxi can make so many stops until it is complete. However, you can also try to negotiate exclusive use.

In Marrakech there are two types of taxis, the small taxis called here "petit taxi" and the big taxis called "le grand taxi".

The Accreditation is granted 'indirectly' by the King.

What are the differences!

Small taxis "petit taxis" in Marrakech have a mustard yellow colour.

They are usually fiat puntos, Peugeot 205,206, dacias.

They can carry a maximum of 3 passengers.(Corona measure , max 2 persons)

They can only operate within the city.

Have a taximeter.

With a budget between 10 and 50 mad (per ride), you can in all likelihood move around in Marrakech.

"Les grand taxis" have a beige colour in Marrakech.

The most popular model is the reliable 240 D.

You can also find the larger Dacia Models or Ssangyong models which have been introduced on the market lately. The idea behind it was to renew the park and reduce pollution.

They can carry up to 6 passengers. (Corona measure , max 3 persons)

They can also operate outside the city.

With a budget between 50 and 300 mad, you should be ok, to move within Marrakech.

Things you should know before hopping in a taxi.

Where to take a taxi?

Taking a taxi on pitch costs more, but you have the advantage that you usually have no waiting times.

Another advantage is that if you lose something, for example, it is easier to locate.

(A few months ago I lost my bunch of keys and after a quarter of an hour they delivered the keys to the restaurant in the Medina where I was at that time).

If not, one might choose to stop them when they are passing by as they are circulating everywhere in the city.

Rush hours.

As the taxi is for many an alternative to bus service, it is hard to find one during rush hours.

The best thing you can do is walk to the larger intersections where you will first find a taxi with a place. It may be that you are not lucky, because it is on its way to another zone, even though there is a seat available.

During these rush hours, it is also nearly impossible to get exclusive taxis.

How to stop a taxi?

For beginners, raise your hand at the edge of the street.

For advanced passengers, indicate the number of passengers with your fingers and shout the zone as soon as it is nearby :)

Negotiating and fixing the price.

Yes, a should do, especially for large taxis and for all during the night service.

If you get out of your favourite club at 3 am a 300 mad ride shouldn't surprise you.

Taxi rides outside the city.

Enjoy in moderation in my humble opinion. In the many years I've been here I've only taken a large taxi in exclusivity twice for a 50 km drive and this because I knew the driver and the car well. Let me put it his way, adventurous.

Driving style of taxi drivers.

I reckon that, together with ambulances, they act as outlaws in the traffic. As another road user, the driving behaviour of the groups mentioned above can be quite exciting. You even might exceed the maximum number of swear words per day that you assigned to yourself. That is why I use them in the city.

Taxis verts.

A new service has been available for some time.

It is particularly useful if you live in one of the residential areas outside the centre or if you want to be sure that a taxi is waiting for you when you arrive at the airport.

"Taxis verts" is a call centre that groups together many taxis. Call the number 05 24 40 94 94 and give the address where you want a taxi. A few minutes later, a taxi will arrive to pick you up. The taxidriver will turn on the taximeter without you having to ask for it. You will pay 10mad extra during the day and 20 for all services after 8 pm. It is also possible to make reservations by e-mail on their website http://www.taxisvert.ma/.

Newcomers.

You have two further apps that have focused on Morocco and are trying to gain a foothold in this market.

https://www. heetch.com ( already operating in several countries including Belgium and France)

https://www.roby.taxi

They work according to a well-defined principle with predetermined prices per route.

Negative experiences.

I read a lot of complaints from travellers, mainly about the price. It has also happened to me (especially at night), but I have always have treated well and felt always safe.

When I compare Marrakech with other world cities, it is clear that we pay less here than for similar services in Brussels, Paris, Madrid, London, Berlin, Colombo or Montreal. I must add that the cars here are in a much worse condition. However, for those who want to upgrade the service, there is a wide choice of luxury vehicles that you can hire with a driver.