Sumatra declares ‘Noah’ not commuter buses

 

THE Surface and Marine Transport Regulatory Authority (SUMATRA) in Kilimanjaro Region has banned some passenger vehicles plying between Tarakea - Moshi highway with a seating capacity of less than 25 people from doing business.

Speaking to journalists here yesterday, Officer in charge of Sumatra in Kilimanjaro Region, Mr Johns Makwale, without clarification said that the regulatory body was not providing new licences for the route anymore. 

 

“Currently, we are not issuing commercial licence to vehicles of Noah design, because they are not allowed by law to operate on highways. They are only capable of commuting within only 50 kms in range,” he said.

Makwale said according to the law, the vehicles should operate on feeder roads not highways, adding that Tarakea- Moshi road is not exceptional. He urged people thinking to venture in the ‘commuter buses’ and buy many of them for a highway to think twice and stop because Sumatra will not issue such a licence to them.

Commenting on the Sumatra stance on the resolution, Deogratius Juma and Samuel Kimario, some drivers plying between Moshi - Tareakea, said the programme will deny them employment, while the area has many passengers.

“We are asking the government to review the law to help us as drivers with such vehicles because we are innocent citizens who are eking out a living like any other in the honest business,” said Juma.