NTSA suspends Super Metro's license over safety, compliance violations

The decision, announced via a media statement on Thursday, takes effect immediately, and according to the NTSA,  aims to ensure road safety and regulatory compliance. 

According to the NTSA, "the decision was necessitated by the need to ensure the company is not only compliant, but has also implemented safety measures to protect the lives of its passengers and other road users."

A thorough examination of the company's operations revealed numerous instances of noncompliance, according to the authority, including vehicle inspection and licensing failures, speed limiter violations, unqualified drivers, and labor law violations. 

The statement notes that 15 of the company's 523 vehicles had expired inspection certificates, while eight had expired Road Service Licences. 

Additionally, 294 vehicles were flagged for various speed limiter infractions, such as expired certificates, a lack of proper speed limiter records, and instances of vehicles exceeding the 80 km/h limit.

The report stated that "one hundred and nine (109) vehicles were operating beyond the speed limit of 80 km/h," raising serious concerns about passenger safety.

Further concerns were raised about the qualifications of the company's drivers, with the NTSA discovering that some lacked the necessary credentials, posing a significant safety risk. 

"It was determined that the driving credentials of the drivers assigned to the company's portal do not meet the required qualifications, posing a significant road safety risk," the report stated. 

In addition, 64 of the company's drivers had their licenses suspended after failing a retest. In addition to road safety concerns, Super Metro was found to have violated employment regulations. 

The NTSA found that the company failed to comply with Section 5(1)(e) of the Public Service Vehicle Regulations, which requires PSV operators to meet labor law obligations such as providing employment contracts, statutory deductions, and workplace safety measures.

To have its license reinstated, the company must address all compliance issues, including ensuring that the 294 flagged vehicles receive the necessary inspections and speed limiter checks, re-testing 42 drivers cited for multiple speed violations, and immediately disengaging unqualified drivers. 

Furthermore, Super Metro must provide proof of compliance with labor laws, such as payroll records and employee contracts, and implement a road safety sensitization program for all drivers under NTSA supervision. 

The report also stated that "the company must conduct road safety sensitization for all of its drivers and submit to the authority the sensitization report, photos, session minutes, and attendance register," with NTSA officers supervising the process.

The NTSA has advised the public not to use Super Metro vehicles and directed the Traffic Department to impound any found in violation of the directive.

"Members of the public are cautioned against boarding Super Metro Limited vehicles," the statement warned.