LATRA reinstates services for six Katarama buses

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) has reinstated transport services for six buses owned by Katarama Luxury Company out of ten that had their licenses suspended.

According to LATRA, the decision follows a preliminary investigation conducted by the authority in collaboration with the Traffic Police Force, which found that four of the company’s buses had tampered with the Vehicle Tracking System (VTS).

Addressing the journalists in Dar es Salaam on Friday, LATRA Acting Head of the Public Relations and Communications, Salum Pazzy said that after the company’s license was suspended, an investigation revealed that six buses did not interfere with the VTS gadgets.

He also said that the six buses permitted to operate provide services on the DAR-Mwanza and Dar-Bukoba routes.

However, he said that the Police Force continues to investigate the remaining four buses, including those with registration numbers T 420 EBR, T836 EBR, T835 EBR and T 485 DXP.

Additionally, Pazi said the authority is monitoring the activities of bus operators, insisting that it will not hesitate to take stringent measures in cases of license violations.

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For his part, the company’s Managing Director, Mr Lauriani Katarama, pledged to adhere to the transport licensing regulations as directed by the authorities.

In September 13 this year, LATRA indefinitely suspended the transport license of Katarama Luxury Bus for tampering with the Vehicle Tracking System (VTS) and issued a stern warning to three other bus operators, giving them one week to comply with regulations.

The buses that were given a warning included Super Feo, Aboud Bus Services and BM Coach.

The suspension was implemented in accordance to sections 5(1) (b) and 6(b) of the LATRA Act, 2019, Cap 413, which grants the authority the power to issue, renew and cancel licenses, as well as monitor performance and ensure safety standards.