The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has suspended the operating license of Super Metro Limited due to non-compliance with Public Service Vehicles Regulations, 2014, and other safety requirements. The suspension comes amid growing concerns over the safety and operational standards of the prominent transport SACCO.
Reasons for the Suspension
In an official notice issued on Thursday, March 20, NTSA advised the public against using Super Metro vehicles and instructed traffic police to impound any buses operating contrary to the suspension order.
“The Authority has suspended Super Metro Limited’s operator license until the company fully complies with Public Service Vehicles Regulations, 2014, and other set conditions,” the NTSA statement read.
A detailed NTSA analysis revealed several compliance issues, including:
- Out of 523 vehicles, 15 had expired inspection certificates, and 8 had expired Road Service Licenses (RSL).
- Several drivers failed to meet the required qualifications, posing significant safety risks.
Key Compliance Directives
To regain its license, Super Metro must address the following violations:
- Vehicle Compliance: Present 294 vehicles with identified violations for inspection at the Likoni Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre and obtain updated compliance reports.
- Driver Retesting: Present 42 drivers with speed violations for retests at the Likoni Driver Test Centre. This follows a previous retest on March 10, where 64 drivers failed, leading to the suspension of their licenses.
- Driver and Staff Records: Submit signed contracts for all drivers and staff, along with proof of compliance in the form of a six-month payroll record, PAYE, NSSF, and NHIF remittance reports.
- Safety Sensitisation: Conduct road safety training for all drivers and provide NTSA with a comprehensive report, including photos, minutes, and an attendance register of the sensitisation sessions.
Incidents Leading to the Suspension
The decision to suspend Super Metro’s operations follows multiple incidents of reckless behavior and road carnages linked to the SACCO.
One alarming case on March 12 involved a tout allegedly throwing a passenger out of a moving bus due to an unpaid fare. Despite the management suspending the involved driver, additional complaints about overspeeding and negligence have surfaced, amplifying public outcry.
Super Metro’s Next Steps
The suspension serves as a wake-up call for Super Metro to overhaul its operations and prioritize safety. Until all directives are fulfilled, the SACCO remains barred from transporting passengers.
This case highlights NTSA’s commitment to enforcing strict safety measures within Kenya’s transport sector, ensuring both accountability and passenger protection.
