Leading public transport operator Super Metro has continued operations on Ngong Road and other key routes despite the recent suspension of its operating license by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
The ban came after a tragic incident in which a passenger was reportedly thrown out of a moving bus and died. While NTSA took swift action, suspending Super Metro’s license, the SACCO has refuted claims of negligence, asserting that the passenger attempted to alight from the moving vehicle.
Despite the suspension, Super Metro buses were still seen ferrying passengers along major routes, including Thika Superhighway. Industry players have also come to the SACCO’s defense, condemning what they term as a “blanket punishment” that unfairly targets an entire fleet due to a single incident.
“The financial impact of halting Super Metro’s operations is massive, not just for the company but for the entire sector. Thousands of livelihoods depend on this SACCO,” a representative of matatu operators stated.
Super Metro, known for its strict adherence to safety and orderliness compared to other players in the matatu industry, commands a significant share of Nairobi’s transport sector. The ongoing standoff with NTSA raises concerns over regulatory enforcement and the potential economic impact of a prolonged suspension.
With commuters still relying on Super Metro’s services, the question remains whether NTSA will tighten enforcement or reconsider its decision in light of industry concerns.
