jasdooit

Dar es Salaam. The Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Latra) has started fitting Vehicle Tracking Systems (VTS) on commuter buses as part of efforts to enhance driver conduct and prevent unauthorized route changes. This step comes after Latra announced in July last year its intention to implement VTS on commuter buses to improve oversight and ensure adherence to regulations. Salum Pazzy, head of communications and public relations at Latra, told The Citizen yesterday that following the successful installation of these devices on intercity buses, the initiative is now expanding to daladala in Dar es Salaam before being implemented nationwide. “We have already fitted VTS on several commuter buses throughout the city. Our approach is that every daladala applying for a license renewal must first have the system installed. Likewise, new license applicants will need to have VTS installed before registration,” he stated. Mr. Pazzy added that the Transport Licensing (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations, 2020 mandate all buses operating in the country to be equipped with VTS, enabling the authority to enforce compliance not only in intercity and commuter buses but also soon in lorries. He noted that operators in Mwanza had voluntarily requested installations, and the process has already begun, which he praised as an example of compliance without enforcement pressure. In Dar es Salaam, buses seized by Latra are thoroughly checked to confirm VTS installation. If the devices are missing, operators must comply before resuming operations. Shuttle buses serving standard gauge railway (SGR) stations in Morogoro and Dodoma have also been equipped with these systems. Since the program started in July this year, 40 commuter buses have been fitted with VTS, with the rollout expected to continue until all daladala are covered nationwide. Johansen Kahatano, director of road and transport at Latra, said the initiative aims to improve the efficiency and reliability of public transport while enhancing passenger safety and restoring order in urban transit systems. Daud Daudi, executive secretary of the Latra Consumer Consultative Council, praised the move as a milestone. “It will serve as a catalyst for positive change, allowing drivers and owners to monitor their vehicles while improving driver behavior,” he said. Shifwaya Lema, secretary of the Dar es Salaam Commuter Bus Owners Association (Darcoboa), acknowledged that VTS installation is a legal requirement but called for flexibility in its implementation. He warned that ongoing road construction could damage the devices, leading operators to bear replacement costs exceeding Sh300,000 along with a quarterly maintenance fee. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).