LATRA suspends four online ticketing firms

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) has suspended four online ticketing companies for failing to meet regulatory requirements, issuing a 15-day ultimatum for bus operators to comply by migrating to approved service providers.

Speaking to the media yesterday, LATRA Head of Public Relations and Communications Unit, Mr Salum Pazzy, said the decision was made in line with existing transport laws and regulations.

He said bus companies that had been using the suspended systems have until February 15 this year to switch to compliant online ticketing providers.
The affected companies are Exbite, Tiketi Rafiki, Safari Yetu and Safiri Tiketi, which will no longer be allowed to operate.

Mr Pazzy said a total of 10 companies have so far met the required standards, marking an increase of five compliant service providers, which he described as a positive development in the sector.

Some of the approved companies include AB Connect, Basi Bora, Iishe Company, Basi Poa, Afri Tec and Web e-Ticket. He cautioned that any online ticketing systems not listed on LATRA’s official platforms will not be permitted to offer services to passenger transport operators.

He further noted that LATRA’s monitoring systems are capable of identifying non-compliant operators, warning that violators will face enforcement measures, including suspension.

Mr Pazzy said online ticketing systems enhance transparency and security for both passengers and transport operators, while also enabling the government to efficiently oversee the transport sector.

He added that LATRA continues to conduct awareness programmes in collaboration with transport stakeholders, online ticketing experts and system owners to promote the use of digital ticketing services.