PMVs warned as settlement passengers left stranded
Hundreds of employees in the public and private sectors, students, and informal sector workers were left stranded at bus stops for hours today as police began a major citywide operation to impound unregistered and defective vehicles.
Public Motor Vehicles [PMVs] operating the Morota One and Two routes came to a complete standstill in the morning as National Capital District [NCD] police enforced the operation.
The people raised concerns that the enforcement would heavily affect attendance at work and classes, as well as disrupt daily business operations in the city.
A group of residents told NBC News that while the enforcement was good for the city to ensure roadworthy vehicles transported passengers, an effective second option for public movement should have been prioritised first.
“It is not good that we are all stranded at the bus stop. We understand this enforcement is good for the general public and the city. For PMV operators, it is important they take this as a challenge and register their vehicles so they are roadworthy,” the residents said.
“Let us also be mindful that the majority of the population in the city resides in settlements and the NCD must take this into consideration and make our runs convenient by providing affordable and efficient options.”
The operation is being carried out as a joint exercise between the Road Traffic Authority [RTA], National Capital District Commission [NCDC], Motor Vehicle Insurance Ltd [MVIL], Department of Transport, and Traffic Police.
Authorities have agreed to work together to monitor defective vehicles and arrest vehicle owners and drivers operating illegally.
The enforcement targets traffic offenders operating in Waikele, Gerehu, Toks, Morota, Tete, and Erima-Wildlife among other settlement routes. It also targets illegal street sales and lottery activities at traffic lights and bus stops.
Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police for NCD/Central Command, Chief Superintendent Benjamin Turi, expressed satisfaction with the awareness campaign conducted by his officers and other agencies prior to the operation.
ACP Turi acknowledged the public's concerns regarding the lack of buses on the road but clarified that roadworthy buses were still operating.
He stated that operators who knew they had violated traffic laws had taken their vehicles off the road to avoid being arrested and charged.
“Both parties are doing the right thing to ensure the public enjoys the service they provide. I want to thank the bus owners who have read news articles and other awareness messages regarding the enforcement of traffic laws,” ACP Turi said.
“We are not stopping you from doing business, but we want you to follow the laws in place so that you will not be afraid of law enforcement officers.”
ACP Turi also issued a warning to PMV operators who were overcharging passengers to stop the practice and do their business honestly.
He said police impounding yard and holding cells were ready, and that enforcement officers would be conducting random stop-and-search operations covering all vehicle types.
Vehicle owners are urged to register their PMVs, repair body damage, and service their vehicles to maintain the standard of PMV operations in the city.