LATRA unveils new vehicle tracking system

**DAR ES SALAAM: **THE Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) is developing a new vehicle tracking system to replace the existing one after discovering attempts by some road users to manipulate tracking signals, undermining real-time monitoring of buses and road safety enforcement.

The new system, which is being developed by LATRA, is at an advanced stage and is expected to be demonstrated next year, according to Director General Habibu Suluo.

He said the authority decided to replace the existing Vehicle Tracking System (VTS) after identifying technological limitations that have made it vulnerable to signal interference.

“As of now, we are developing our own system. The VTS we purchased uses outdated technology and is vulnerable to manipulation on the roads,” Mr Suluo said.

He made the remarks during a meeting with editors and journalists, where LATRA presented achievements recorded during the Sixth Phase Government’s five-year period from the 2021/22 to 2025/26 financial years.

Mr Suluo said the current VTS, which LATRA inherited from the former Surface and Marine Transport Regulatory Authority (SUMATRA), no longer adequately meets evolving technological demands.

He said interference with tracking signals has resulted in situations where information displayed at the monitoring centre differs from a vehicle’s actual movement on the road.

“You can see a vehicle and follow its movement, but when you contact the control room, you may find that the location or speed being displayed is different. This shows that there are attempts to manipulate the signals reaching the system,” he said.

The VTS uses satellite technology, Vehicle Tracking Devices (VTDs), communication networks and GPS data servers to monitor the movement of buses and support enforcement of safety requirements under the Land Transport Regulatory Authority Act.

Despite the challenges, LATRA has significantly expanded technology-based monitoring of public transport.

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The number of buses connected to the VTS has increased from 5,979 in the 2021/22 financial year to 14,743 in 2025/26, while the system has also been extended to rail transport, with 27 TAZARA freight locomotives now connected.

The authority has also strengthened driver identification through electronic devices known as I-buttons, with the number of registered drivers rising from 256 when the programme was introduced in 2022/23 to 13,829 in 2025/26.

Mr Suluo said LATRA is now considering introducing fingerprint verification to prevent impersonation during driving tests and while operating vehicles.

“We are considering fingerprints because there are cases where someone registers for an examination and another person comes to sit the test on their behalf,” he said.

He said the proposed technology is intended to strengthen accountability rather than create unnecessary challenges for drivers.

“These measures are meant to improve safety, strengthen accountability and protect passengers, vehicle owners and national resources,” he said.

LATRA has also expanded the tracking system to Dar es Salaam commuter buses, with more than 204 commuter bus fitted with tracking devices since the rollout began in April last year.

Mr Suluo said the technology has helped address long-standing complaints involving operators who prematurely terminate routes or violate fare regulations because drivers and conductors are aware that their movements can be reviewed even after completing their journeys.

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