The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has suspended Super Metro Limited’s operator license following multiple violations of the Public Service Vehicles Regulations, 2014, and other safety guidelines. NTSA issued a warning on Thursday urging the public not to board any Super Metro vehicles until the company complies with the necessary regulatory standards.
An inspection of Super Metro’s fleet uncovered numerous breaches of safety and traffic regulations. Among the 523 vehicles in the company’s fleet, 15 were found with expired inspection certificates, and eight had expired Road Service Licenses (RSL). Additionally, 294 vehicles were found in violation of speed limit regulations, with 109 exceeding the 80 km/h limit.
Further inspection revealed additional safety concerns, including five vehicles without valid speed limiter certificates and 171 others lacking any speed limiter records. Moreover, several drivers listed in the company’s portal did not meet the required qualifications for operating public service vehicles.
NTSA also highlighted that Super Metro had violated labor laws, particularly those in the NTSA’s Public Service Vehicle regulations. These regulations require that operators adhere to employee welfare standards, such as providing written employment contracts, offering statutory leave, and ensuring compliance with workplace safety rules. The company was also found to be non-compliant with statutory deductions like PAYE, NSSF, and SHA remittances for its employees.
In light of these findings, NTSA has directed Super Metro to take immediate corrective action. The company must ensure that all 294 vehicles with speed violations are brought into compliance by undergoing checks at the Likoni Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre. Additionally, 42 drivers cited for speed-related offenses will be required to retake their driving tests at the Likoni Driver Test Centre.
This follows a recent test on March 10, where 64 Super Metro drivers failed, resulting in suspensions. The company is also required to remove any unqualified drivers from its fleet and submit documentation proving compliance with labor laws, including signed employment contracts and proof of tax deductions for the past six months.
Super Metro has also been instructed to organize a road safety sensitization program for all drivers under NTSA supervision. The company must submit a report on the program, including photos, session minutes, and an attendance register, once it is completed with NTSA officers overseeing the training.
The suspension of Super Metro’s license serves as a stern reminder of the critical importance of safety and regulatory compliance in the public transport sector. It also underscores the role of regulatory authorities in maintaining public safety and ensuring the well-being of all road users.
