NTSA upgrades mobile App to include boda boda and driving schools sections

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has re-launched its Self Service Mobile Application to include Boda Boda and driving schools.

In a statement on Friday, the authority notified the public that the app will now offer an elevated experience to members of the public when verifying the validity and status of different licenses.

Currently, the app which is free on Google Playstore is designed to provide real-time information to clients.

NTSA says the development will see extended services such as motorcycle owners and verification of driving school licences by instructors and owners.

“The re-launch has seen an expansion of the NTSA App's capabilities from supporting the public transport sector to accommodating verification of Boda Boda certificates and driving school instructor licences,” NTSA said in a statement. 

Members of the public who already have the old app are now encouraged to reinstall it to acquire the new developments.

 In the said changes, the multi-agency body has now enabled the public to vet different public transport vehicles and their drivers to enable adherence to road safety measures and reassure of their own personal safety.

For the new option of Boda Boda operators, both the public and enforcement officers will be able to verify the registration details of the rider with only the national ID number of the rider. In this category, the app will provide the ID number and date of registration of the rider.  

As for Instructor licenses, driving school operators and instructors will be able to verify the validity status of the licenses with only the national ID number.

Regarding the public transport sector, a passenger can verify the different certifications of Matatu Saccos, the Inspection status of the vehicles and both road service and night travel licenses in the public sector by sending the details in the body of the vehicle.

In order to enquire about the motor vehicle inspection status, you will only be required to capture the PSV registration number and the same will apply for both road service and night travel licenses.

The app provides enforcement officers with the added advantage of being able to identify PSV badges to ascertain if a driver is entitled to operate a PSV vehicle.

In the same light, the Authority has issued a warning to the public against travelling in unregistered vehicles. They called on them to report any cases of drivers and vehicles whose vehicles and licenses are not duly registered.

"The public is cautioned against boarding vehicles whose licences have expired and those whose details will not populate upon verification through the App. This indicates that the vehicles are not permitted to operate," noted the DCI.

 Apart from the public transport, the app also gives a look at individual licenses where one can use the national ID to confirm details of their driving licences.

 Contrary to the previous app where only the term valid or expired would be shown, the new app will incorporate the expiry date and the DL categories.

  The App also gives a platform for Complaint Management, TIMS Enquiries and Access to Information.

 To further support traffic officers in their enforcement activities, and identify forged documentation, the NTSA notes that the App can scan the QR code on the E-Sticker provided by the Authority.