NTSA Announces 4-Day Training Programme for PSV Operators Ahead of Festive Season

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has announced a four-day training programme for public service vehicle (PSV) operators as part of preparations for the upcoming festive season.

In an update on Thursday, October 8, the authority said the Public Transport Operator Management Development Programme is designed to equip PSV operators with skills in management, road safety, compliance, customer service and emergency preparedness.

NTSA warned that the festive season comes with increased pressure on public transport operators and drivers, with road safety risks likely to rise as travel demand increases.

"78 days to Christmas. The rush will start. The pressure will build. Will your drivers be ready? Data shows a spike in PSV-related fatalities during the festive season (December-January), driven by increased demand, driver fatigue, speeding, and compromised compliance," the authority said.

NTSA said the four-day programme will cover different aspects of public transport operations, with each day focusing on specific areas aimed at improving safety and service delivery.

The first day will focus on strategic governance, leadership and financial management, equipping operators with skills to effectively manage their businesses and make informed decisions.

The second day will cover fleet operations, journey management, road safety and compliance, with emphasis on ensuring vehicles and drivers meet the required safety standards.

On the third day, participants will be trained on customer experience, emergency management, technology and business growth, highlighting the importance of passenger welfare and preparedness for emergencies.

The final day will focus on safety audits, improvement planning, assessment and certification, providing operators with an opportunity to evaluate their practices and identify areas that require improvement.

NTSA said the programme has been introduced early to give operators and drivers adequate time to strengthen their preparedness before the festive season begins.

"This programme is part of our proactive measure ahead of the festive season. By training operators and drivers sufficiently early, we are building safety capacity ahead of peak risk," the authority added.

This comes days after NTSA dispatched a multi-disciplinary crash investigation team to Salama following an early morning multi-vehicle accident that claimed 17 lives.

In a statement on Saturday, October 3, NTSA expressed condolences to the families and friends of those who died in the crash, as well as others affected by the tragedy.

"The Authority conveys its deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and all those affected by the Salama incident. Tragically, the early morning multi-vehicle crash claimed 17 lives. Several others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment," the statement read.

NTSA said its team had been deployed to support the National Police Service in investigating the circumstances that led to the fatal crash. 

The investigation will also examine the condition and compliance of the vehicles involved.

"In supporting the National Police Service, the Authority has dispatched a multi-disciplinary crash investigation team to Salama to establish the full circumstances leading to the crash, including vehicle inspection and compliance," the statement added.

As investigations continue, NTSA urged motorists using the affected corridor and other roads to exercise heightened caution. 

The authority warned against dangerous overtaking and failure to maintain proper lanes.

"While investigations into this crash continue, we call upon all motorists to exercise extreme caution, avoid dangerous overtaking, and strictly observe lane discipline," the statement further read.