Popular commuter bus company Super Metro has temporarily suspended its services for three days to allow ample time for full compliance with the law.
The company, in a statement on Monday evening, stated that the Transport Licensing Appeals Board (TLAB) directed it to suspend operations for the next three days to finalise the remaining compliance measures.
According to Super Metro, it has already achieved 90 percent compliance with the directives issued by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the Transport Licensing Appeals Board (TLAB).
While making the announcement, the firm noted that it would respect the decisions of the TLAB and the court, adding that it would work diligently to address the outstanding compliance issues within the stipulated timeframe.
"Following a hearing with the Transport Licensing Appeals Board today, the Board has directed Super Metro Limited to suspend operations for the next three days to finalise the remaining compliance measures," Super Metro announced.
"Super Metro Limited fully respects the decisions of the TLAB and the court. We are working diligently to address the outstanding compliance issues within the stipulated timeframe and will resume operations as soon as we receive approval from the relevant authorities," it added.
The company went ahead to apologise for the inconveniences the temporary suspension would cause to its stakeholders and customers but promised to provide safe, reliable, and efficient transport services.
The latest announcement comes almost a month after TLAB temporarily lifted the suspension of the company’s operating license, which was suspended by NTSA pending the hearing of the matter.
In the directive, TLAB ordered that the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, be served with the ruling to enable the company’s buses to operate freely without being impounded by the police.
The ruling by the tribunal followed hours after Super Metro filed a complaint in court on 21 March, challenging the NTSA’s decision to suspend it, terming the move arbitrary and unjust.
NTSA on March 20, announced the suspension of Super Metro over what it termed as non-compliance with the Public Service Vehicle Regulations.
While announcing the suspension, the Authority cautioned members of the public against boarding vehicles belonging to Super Metro Limited, with police officers directed to impound any company vehicles found operating.
"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," NTSA announced.
"Members of the public are cautioned against boarding vehicles belonging to Super Metro Limited. The Traffic Department is required to impound vehicles belonging to the Company found operating contrary to the suspension."
