LATRA considers 24-hour bus operations
What you need to know:
- Currently, upcountry buses are only allowed to travel before midnight, after which they are mandated to park until dawn
Dar es Salaam. The Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) is now considering the possibility of allowing upcountry buses to have 24-hour operations as well as increasing the frequency of train trips to address the increased demand of travellers during this festival season.
Currently, upcountry buses are only allowed to travel before midnight, after which they are mandated to park until dawn.
On Monday, December 12, LATRA’s Director General, Mr Habibu Suluo told The Citizen that by collaborating with the Ministry of Home Affairs, they will be able to allow buses to travel at night.
“This consideration to allow upcountry buses to travel at night will also serve as a pilot study, which if proven successfully, may turn out to be a full-time arrangement. Travelling through the night will help manage the chaos for passengers planning to travel for Christmas,” he said.
Mr Suluo noted that while the law allows buses to travel at night, the decision to put a stop to night-time trips came as a result of increased accidents, largely caused by the drivers’ recklessness.
To help manage the rates of accidents, this plan also takes into action vehicle tracking as well as keeping tabs on drivers assigned to each bus with trips that last 8 hours and more requiring two drivers per trip.
He noted that law also allows them to certify drivers by taking their prints, trace the driver’s speed limits and in case of reckless driving the driver will then be banned.
Mr Suluo also explained that as of now, LATRA has issued short-term 24-hour driving permits to 40 buses for this festive period and a number of people are still applying for the licenses.
