LATRA suspends Katarama Bus licence, warns three others

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) has 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 have been warned include Super Feo, Aboud Bus Services and BM Coach.

LATRA revealed that the companies have been given a one-week ultimatum to address non-compliance issues, including the mandatory use of i-buttons by their drivers.

The i-button system is a device used to monitor the driver operating the vehicle at a given time. Addressing journalists after a meeting with the bus operators, LATRA Director General, Mr Habibu Suluo said that Katarama’s bus license has been suspended due to repeated violations of night travel license requirements.

Suluo said that Katarama Luxury Bus would not be permitted to operate until the police complete their investigation. The LATRA chief added that despite previous warnings, the company’s continuous non-compliance had led to the suspension.

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In July last year, LATRA suspended Katarama for a month, along with Allys Star, due to reckless behaviour on the road.

“If any passengers had planned to travel tomorrow (yesterday) with this bus, they need to find alternative transport. The bus, having tampered with the VTS, is exceeding speeds of 120 kilometres per hour, putting lives at risk,” he said.

He emphasised that the suspension aims to enhance passenger safety and ensure compliance with established guidelines.

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Regarding the three other companies—Super Feo, Aboud Bus Services and BM Coach— Suluo said that they had seven days to make necessary changes and comply with LATRA regulations. He warned that failure to register drivers with i-buttons would result in immediate action.

“Non-compliance with license requirements not only endangers lives and causes permanent disabilities but also leads to financial losses for the companies,” he stressed.

The suspension of Katarama’s license 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.