Dar es Salaam. The Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Latra) has begun installing Vehicle Tracking Systems (VTS) in commuter buses as part of efforts to improve driver behaviour and curb the practice of diverting from designated routes.
This move follows Latra’s announcement in July last year of plans to introduce VTS in commuter buses to strengthen monitoring and ensure compliance with regulations.
Latra communications and public relations head Salum Pazzy told The Citizen yesterday that after successfully fitting upcountry buses with the devices, the initiative is now being extended to daladala in Dar es Salaam before rolling out nationwide.
“We have already installed VTS in several commuter buses across the city. Our strategy is that every daladala seeking to renew its licence must first be fitted with the system. Similarly, new licence applicants will be required to have VTS installed before registration,” he said.
Mr Pazzy added that the Transport Licensing (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations, 2020 require all buses operating in the country to be fitted with VTS, empowering the authority to enforce compliance not only in upcountry and commuter buses but soon also in lorries.
He noted that operators in Mwanza had voluntarily requested installations and the exercise had already started and applauded them for their initiative, saying it demonstrated compliance without enforcement pressure.
In Dar es Salaam, buses impounded by Latra are thoroughly inspected to confirm VTS installation. Where devices are missing, operators are required to comply before resuming operations. Shuttle buses serving standard gauge railway (SGR) stations in Morogoro and Dodoma have also been fitted with the systems.
Since the programme began in July this year, 40 commuter buses have been equipped with VTS, with the rollout set to continue until all daladala are covered nationwide.
Latra road and transport rirector Johansen Kahatano said the initiative seeks to improve the efficiency and reliability of public transport while enhancing passenger safety and restoring order in urban transit systems.
Latra Consumer Consultative Council executive secretary Daud Daudi commendedthe move as a milestone.
“It will be a catalyst for positive change, allowing drivers and owners to monitor their vehicles while improving driver behaviour,” he said.
Dar es Salaam Commuter Bus Owners Association (Darcoboa) secretary Shifwaya Lema acknowledged that VTS installation is a legal requirement but appealed for flexibility in implementation.
He cautioned that with ongoing roadworks, the devices could be damaged, forcing operators to shoulder replacement costs of over Sh300,000 in addition to a three-monthly maintenance fee.
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