NTSA Suspends Super Metro License

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has suspended the operator license of Super Metro Limited due to non-compliance with the Public Service Vehicles (PSV) Regulations, 2014, and other safety requirements.

The suspension, announced on Thursday, March 20, 2025, will remain in effect until the company meets all stipulated conditions.

In a statement, NTSA cautioned the public against boarding Super Metro vehicles and directed the Traffic Department to impound any of the company’s vehicles found operating during the suspension.

The decision follows a recent incident in which a Super Metro operator ejected a passenger from a moving vehicle, resulting in the man’s death—an event that drew significant public attention.

Subsequent investigations revealed widespread violations within the company’s operations.

Of Super Metro’s 523-vehicle fleet, NTSA identified multiple issues: 15 vehicles had expired inspection certificates, eight had expired Road Service Licenses (RSL), five had expired speed limiter certificates, 88 were not transmitting speed data, 171 lacked speed limiter records, and seven had no vendor details for speed limiters.

Additionally, 109 vehicles were found exceeding the legal speed limit of 80 km/h.

NTSA also flagged concerns about driver qualifications, noting that some Super Metro drivers did not meet standards outlined in the Traffic (Driving Schools, Driving Instructors, and Driving Licences) Rules, 2020. “This poses a serious road safety risk,” the authority stated.

Furthermore, the company violated labor laws under the NTSA (Operation of PSV) Regulations, 2014, failing to provide written contracts, statutory deductions, workplace safety measures, and insurance coverage for employees.

To reinstate its license, Super Metro must submit 294 vehicles for compliance inspection at the Likoni Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre and provide full fleet compliance reports.

Additionally, 42 of the 109 drivers cited for speed violations must undergo retesting at the Likoni Driver Test Centre. NTSA noted that 64 drivers failed a retest on March 10, 2025, resulting in their license suspensions.

The company is also required to disengage unqualified drivers, submit employment contracts and payroll records, comply with tax and statutory remittances, and conduct a road safety sensitization program for all drivers, providing evidence of completion.

NTSA will conduct a comprehensive compliance audit of Super Metro’s operations. “This suspension ensures the company adheres to the law and implements safety measures to protect passengers and road users,” the authority said.