Conditions Super Metro Met Before Resuming All Operations

Popular Nairobi matatu Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (SACCO) Super Metro has announced the resumption of all matatu operations, with immediate effect.

Announcing this on Thursday, April 17, Super Metro revealed that it was cleared to resume operations following a thorough review carried out by both the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the Transport Licensing Appeals Board (TLAB).

The bus company stated that over the past three days, its team has been working diligently to comply with all issued directives, aiming to uphold the highest standards of safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance.

"Super Metro Limited is thrilled to announce that we have successfully met and surpassed all compliance requirements set by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the Transport Licensing Appeals Board (TLAB). Following a thorough review, we have been officially cleared to resume operations, effective today," the statement read in part.

An image of a new fleet of Super Metro buses unveiled during launch on November 4, 2021. /SUPER METRO

"Our team has worked tirelessly over the past three days to address all directives, ensuring that our services meet the highest standards of safety, reliability, and regulatory adherence. We are excited to once again serve the people of Kenya, providing safe and efficient transport solutions to communities across the region."

Speaking to the public shortly after receiving clearance from the relevant authorities, the company thanked its customers, stakeholders, and regulators for their patience and support throughout the three-day period.

Super Metro also reaffirmed its dedication to full regulatory compliance and outstanding service delivery as it officially resumed operations, one month after being suspended by the NTSA.

"We are committed to maintaining full compliance and delivering exceptional service as we get back on the roads. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the temporary suspension and look forward to welcoming you aboard our buses starting today," added the statement.

The three-day suspension took effect on Monday, April 14, meaning it had completed the three-day window assigned by TLAB. However, the move was not without consequence, as this left a critical part of the Nairobi Metropolitan transportation paralysed, with citizen reports showing passengers stranded along its key routes.

Super Metro previously outlined that it had reached 90 percent compliance with the directives issued by the NTSA and the TLAB. Despite the progress, the company temporarily halted operations for three days to fully implement the remaining requirements set by both NTSA and TLAB.

Orders seen by Viral Tea from the TLAB tribunal revealed that the matatu firm was directed to fire 269 drivers before resuming operations. Super Metro has yet to confirm if this was met.

The  Sacco was also been instructed to send 42 drivers with speeding violations to the Likoni Driver Test Centre for retesting. Additionally, eight vehicles flagged for issues with their speed limiters were ordered to be taken to the Likoni Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre for compliance checks.

Another 31 vehicles with inspection-related issues were also expected to be brought in for reevaluation, with full compliance reports to be submitted to the NTSA.

One of the key orders also required the Sacco to submit minutes and an attendance list from its Road Safety Sensitisation training for all drivers to the NTSA’s Director of Road Safety.