The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has suspended Super Metro Limited’s operator licence until the company fully complies with the Public Service Vehicles Regulations, 2014, and other set conditions.
In an official notice dated Thursday, March 20, NTSA further cautioned members of the public against boarding vehicles belonging to the SACCO.
"This is to notify the public that the Authority has suspended Super Metro Limited’s operator licence until the Company fully complies with the Public Service Vehicles Regulations, 2014, and other set conditions," the notice read in part.
Traffic police were also instructed to impound vehicles belonging to the company that are operating contrary to the suspension.
According to NTSA, it conducted a comprehensive analysis of Super Metro and found that out of its 523 vehicles, 15 had expired inspection certificates, and eight had expired Road Service Licences (RSL).
NTSA also found that several drivers from the SACCO do not meet the required qualifications which presents a major safety risk.
Before the operation licence is reinstated, Super Metro has been asked to present 294 vehicles with violations for compliance inspection at the Likoni Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre and obtain compliance reports for all vehicles.
It must also present 42 drivers out of 109 with speed violations for a retest at the Likoni Driver Test Centre. This follows the failure of 64 Super Metro drivers in a retest on March 10, leading to the suspension of their respective driving licences.
Furthermore, the company has been directed to present signed contracts for its drivers and other staff, including proof of compliance, a six-month record of staff payroll, Pay As You Earn (PAYE), NSSF, and NHIF remittances.
The management has also been mandated to conduct road safety sensitisation for all its drivers and submit to the authority the sensitisation report, photos, minutes of the session, and the attendance register. The exercise shall be facilitated by NTSA officers.
The suspension follows a series of road carnages that have been caused by Super Metro leading to several demises. A most recent incident happened on March 12, where a tout allegedly threw a man out of a moving bus over an unpaid fare.
Although the management took action against the driver and suspended him, major complaints were received about other drivers overspeeding and exhibiting reckless behaviour.
