Popular public transport service provider Super Metro has been dealt a significant blow following a ruling by the Transport Licensing Appeals Board (TLAB), which directed the immediate dismissal of 269 of its drivers. The ruling comes amid ongoing efforts to enforce compliance with national transport safety regulations.
In a judgment delivered on the evening of April 14, TLAB ordered Super Metro to immediately disengage the drivers listed in a document referenced during the hearing. This decision followed findings that the drivers in question were implicated in various safety violations and non-compliance issues as identified by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
In the same ruling, TLAB stayed the earlier suspension of Super Metro’s operating license. However, the tribunal clarified that this stay was conditional, pending full compliance with a set of directives issued in its ruling. As a result, Super Metro has been ordered to cease all operations temporarily until it fulfills all specified requirements.
One of the key compliance conditions includes submitting specific vehicles for thorough inspection. Eight Super Metro vehicles flagged for issues relating to speed limiter violations are to be presented at the Likoni Road Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre for compliance checks. Additionally, the company must submit 31 more vehicles that were previously identified with compliance concerns to the same facility and provide detailed reports to NTSA’s Directorate of Safety.
Beyond vehicle inspections, the board also instructed Super Metro to present 42 drivers identified with speeding violations for immediate retesting at the Likoni Road Driver Test Centre. This step is seen as a necessary measure to ensure all operational drivers meet road safety and competence standards.
In terms of internal processes, the tribunal also emphasized the importance of ongoing road safety education. Super Metro is required to provide evidence of driver sensitization programs by submitting meeting minutes and attendance records for all its drivers to the NTSA’s Director of Road Safety. This move is aimed at fostering a culture of safety and compliance within the SACCO’s driver community.
The TLAB’s ruling followed a meeting between Super Metro representatives and transport regulators earlier the same day. In the wake of the decision, the SACCO informed its customers of a temporary suspension of services for three days. The suspension is meant to allow the company adequate time to implement the remaining compliance measures and fully align with regulatory expectations.
Despite the setback, Super Metro stated it had already achieved approximately 90% compliance with the NTSA and TLAB directives, expressing commitment to finalizing the remaining processes. The SACCO reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring the safety of its passengers and maintaining the quality of service it is known for.
TLAB, an independent tribunal operating under the Judiciary, is responsible for reviewing and ruling on appeals related to licensing decisions made by the NTSA. This latest decision underscores the tribunal’s firm stance on enforcing road safety regulations and ensuring public transport providers adhere to required standards.
The coming days will be critical for Super Metro as it works to meet all conditions necessary to resume operations. The focus now shifts to how swiftly and effectively the SACCO can implement the mandated changes, particularly the disengagement of the 269 drivers, vehicle compliance checks, and the driver retesting process.
