Super Metro Limited remains off the roads following a suspension by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) over regulatory violations.
A visit to Kitengela Bus Park in Kajiado County on Friday, March 21, revealed Super Metro buses parked with operations at a standstill. A similar situation was observed in Juja, where buses remained idle.
NTSA halted the company’s operations on Thursday, citing multiple violations. These included failure to comply with vehicle inspection and licensing requirements, breaches of speed limiter regulations, employment of unqualified drivers, and infractions of labor laws.
Super Metro buses remained inactive at Kitengela Bus Park as the company sought to address the suspension. Despite the halt in operations, the company maintains that it is fully compliant and has resolved all concerns raised.
In a statement issued on Thursday evening, Super Metro dismissed the claims by the Transport Authority as outdated and inaccurate. The company asserted that all necessary certificates and licenses had been renewed before the suspension was enforced. Additionally, issues related to speed limiters were identified and promptly addressed by vendors across all affected vehicles.
The suspension has left many passengers stranded, especially in areas where the transport service is a crucial link. Commuters who rely on the buses for daily travel expressed frustration over the unexpected disruption. Some have been forced to seek alternative means of transport, which, in some cases, are more expensive or less reliable.
While NTSA maintains that the suspension is in the interest of public safety, Super Metro argues that it is an unnecessary and unfair move that does not accurately reflect its current compliance status. The company emphasized that it has a history of maintaining high safety and service standards and is committed to upholding all regulatory requirements.
Transport sector stakeholders have weighed in on the issue, with some supporting NTSA’s decision as necessary for road safety, while others see it as a harsh measure that affects both commuters and employees dependent on Super Metro’s operations. Employees, including drivers and conductors, now face uncertainty as they await a resolution to the situation.
As discussions between Super Metro and NTSA continue, commuters hope for a swift resolution that will allow the transport company to resume operations. Meanwhile, alternative transport providers have stepped in to accommodate stranded passengers, but the absence of Super Metro services has significantly impacted the flow of public transportation in affected areas.
The suspension raises broader concerns about regulatory compliance and enforcement in the transport sector. It also highlights the challenges faced by both authorities and operators in balancing safety regulations with the need to maintain essential services for the public. The resolution of this issue will likely set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.
