A day after Super Metro owners protested the National Transport and Safety Authority’s (NTSA) decision to suspend its vehicles, the company has finally heeded the authority’s demands.
A video obtained by Kenyans.co.ke showed the popular commuter bus company’s vehicles queuing at the NTSA offices for inspection services as part of compliance with the traffic regulations.
The footage showed several Super Metro minibuses queueing at the NTSA inspection centre located along Likoni Road in Nairobi.
In a separate video, some Super Metro vehicles were spotted parked at the Kitengela Bus Park while others were seen grounded in Juja, Kiambu County.
The decision comes on the back of criticism from a section of Kenyans who faulted the bus company for alleged defiance of the law by operating despite the suspension.
However, Super Metro owners on Thursday, March 20, refuted claims made by NTSA, terming the Authority’s decision to suspend the company's licence as not only unfair but also prejudicial.
According to Super Metro bosses, the allegations levelled against the company were outdated and unfounded, since they were fully compliant with NTSA regulations and already addressed concerns raised in the notice.
“The decision to impose a summary suspension despite our proactive compliance is not only unfair but also prejudicial to the thousands of employees and their families who depend on Super Metro for their livelihoods,” said the Super Metro bosses.
"As a major employer in Kenya's transport sector, this blanket ban threatens the economic stability of our workforce and disrupts essential services for our passengers," they added.
NTSA on Thursday morning announced the suspension of Super Metro buses over what it termed non-compliance with the Public Service Vehicle regulations.
In a statement, the Authority noted that the suspension was necessitated by the need to ensure that the company was not only compliant but also implemented safety measures to ensure passenger safety.
“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.”
