Noah, Hiace ordered out of major roads

HARRIET KIAMA in Kibaha

SURFACE and Marine Transport Regulatory Authority (SUMATRA) in Coast Region has stopped licensing Hiace and Noah vehicles for public transport in all its major roads.

According to Sumatra Regional Officer In-charge Iroga Nashon, the transport regulator has restricted licensing of small vehicles for public transport in major roads, pending new guidelines.

He, however, said that the restriction does not affect vehicles which were already in operation. The moves follows an increased use of small vehicles, especially Noah, for public transport, with some plying long distances.

In most cases, the vehicles are overloaded with no regard to the safety of passengers, resulting into accidents and congestion along main roads, said Mr Nashon.

“’Noah’s carrying capacity is seven passengers...when their owners come for licences we ask them how they get profit and they simply reply that the business is profitable,” said the officer, noting for the Noah to operate profitably, they must overcharge, overload and over speed to maximise the trips. He said plans were underway to license the vehicles to operate on the feeder roads.

Meanwhile, 102 people died, with 246 others sustaining injuries in Coast regionbetween 2015 and March, this year, in road accidents that involved motorcycles, Noah and Hiace vehicles, Mr Simon said