By Alfred Zacharia
The Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) has approved only three companies to officially provide electronic ticketing services in the country after they met all the legal and technical requirements.
This announcement comes as LATRA enforces its July 1 deadline for full integration of all e-ticketing systems with the LATRA Ticketing System and the Tanzania Revenue Authority’s Electronic Fiscal Device Management System (EFDMS).
LATRA’s Head of Public Relations and Communications, Mr. Salum Pazzy, said only Ottap Agency Company Limited, Hashtech Tanzania Limited, and Iyishe Company Limited have been licensed.
“These are the only three service providers that currently meet the legal criteria,” he stated during a press briefing in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday.
Mr. Pazzy added that six other companies had made notable progress but still face minor compliance issues. These are AB Courier Express Limited, Busbora Company Limited, Ogix Company Limited, Mkombozi Infotech Company, Sepatech Company Limited, and Web Corporation Limited.
“The Authority gives these companies 14 days to address their challenges in accordance with LATRA’s expectations,” he said.
Two other companies, Duarani Innovative Company and Itule Company, have been issued a seven-day ultimatum to comply. LATRA warned that failure to meet the standards within that period would lead to their disqualification from offering e-ticketing services.
“Transport operators should only work with recognised service providers to avoid disruption, especially during our routine inspections,” Mr. Pazzy advised.
He clarified that any company not on LATRA’s official list is not authorised to offer e-ticketing services.
All licensed providers are also required to fully integrate with LATRA’s Central e-Ticketing System (CeTS) and enter the details of every bus they service into the Universal Ticketing System (UTS).
“We will continue to carry out regular inspections, and any service provider found to be in violation will face legal action,” Mr. Pazzy warned.