If you are a commuter in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) who relies on Metro Trans for your daily transport, you may have noticed that their buses and matatus were not operating today, Saturday, March 22.
This temporary halt in services was officially announced by Metro Trans, stating that operations would be suspended for a single day to allow for a training and sensitization program for their drivers, conductors, and staff.
In a statement released on Thursday, March 20, Metro Trans reassured passengers that the suspension was only for one day and that normal services would resume on Sunday, March 23.
“Dear Customers and Stakeholders, in our continuous effort to enhance service delivery, we have scheduled a sensitization program for our drivers, conductors, and staff on Saturday, March 22, 2025. As a result, all our services will be temporarily suspended on this day,” the company stated.
“We will resume normal operations on Sunday, March 23, 2025. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your continued support and understanding,” the statement further added.
This development comes at a time when another key player in the public transport sector, Super Metro, is facing challenges following the suspension of its operating license by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
The regulatory body took action on Thursday, March 20, citing non-compliance with the Public Service Vehicles (PSV) Regulations of 2014 and other legal requirements.
NTSA issued a directive cautioning passengers against boarding any vehicles under the Super Metro Sacco, emphasizing that the company would only be allowed to resume operations once it met all the required conditions.
A detailed inspection by NTSA revealed that among Super Metro’s 523 registered vehicles, 15 had expired inspection certificates, while eight lacked valid Road Service Licences (RSL).
In addition, the agency found that some of the Sacco’s drivers did not meet the mandatory qualification standards, which posed significant safety concerns.
As part of the enforcement measures, traffic police officers were instructed to impound any Super Metro vehicles found operating in defiance of the suspension order.
However, despite the official ban, some Super Metro matatus were spotted operating on various routes in Nairobi and along Thika Road.
Concerned Kenyans took to social media to express their shock and frustration after witnessing the minibuses ferrying passengers despite the suspension.
Reports surfaced of a fully loaded Super Metro minibus seen traveling along Thika Super Highway, while another was recorded operating on the Mombasa Road route.
In response to the suspension, Super Metro’s management strongly condemned NTSA’s decision, arguing that it was an unfair move that would result in significant financial losses for the company.
The Sacco accused the regulatory authority of unfairly penalizing the entire organization instead of addressing individual cases.
The company’s woes reportedly stem from a tragic incident involving one of their touts, who allegedly pushed a passenger off a moving bus.
The victim died on the spot, prompting a public outcry. Following the incident, Super Metro confirmed that they had taken disciplinary action by suspending the crew members involved.
Despite initially challenging the suspension, Super Metro eventually complied with NTSA’s directives and took over 250 of its vehicles to NTSA’s inspection offices along Mombasa Road on Saturday, March 22, in a bid to resolve the matter and resume operations.
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