Latra issues 14-day ultimatum to online ticketing companies
What you need to know:
- The directive is part of efforts to enforce the Online Ticketing Regulations, 2024, which require service providers to meet key standards, including cybersecurity safeguards and system compatibility with government platforms, before receiving permits.
Dar es Salaam. The Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Latra) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to online ticketing service providers to complete integration with government digital systems or risk being barred from operating.
The directive is part of efforts to enforce the Online Ticketing Regulations, 2024, which require service providers to meet key standards, including cybersecurity safeguards and system compatibility with government platforms, before receiving permits.
Latra public relations and communications headSalum Pazzy said yesterday that six online ticketing firms have shown promising progress but must address minor challenges to fully comply.
The six companies are AB Courier Express Limited, Busbora Company Limited, Ogix Company Limited, Mkombozi Infotech Company, Sepatech Company Limited and Web Corporation Limited.
“These companies have until July 16, 2025, to complete the integration process. Those that fail will not be allowed to operate online ticketing services,” Mr Pazzy said.
As of June 30, 2025, only three companies—Ottap Agency Company Limited, Hashtech Tanzania Limited Iyishe Company Limited—had met the criteria and were cleared to make permit payments, after which they will be issued licences.
The 2024 regulations, published under Government Gazette No. 20 of December 1, 2024, stipulate in Regulation 5 that all online ticketing systems must obtain official permits. These systems must demonstrate resilience against cyberattacks and full interoperability with the Central e-Ticketing System (CeTS).
Latra says the enforcement drive is aimed at enhancing the safety, convenience efficiency of transport services for passengers, operators the government.
“We’ve been working closely with IT experts and system owners to support compliance. But ultimately, only those who meet the legal requirements will be recognised,” Mr Pazzy said.
He also disclosed that two additional firms were flagged for significant shortcomings and given seven days to address them or face disqualification.
“Failure to meet the standards will result in deregistration their clients will be advised to shift to compliant providers,” he noted.
Mr Pazzy emphasised that all unlisted providers are not recognised by the authority and should not be used.
“Operators must ensure they use only approved systems to avoid service disruptions during routine inspections, which will intensify once the deadlines lapse,” he warned.
All service providers are required to integrate their systems with CeTS and register their fleet details in the authority’s Universal Ticketing System (UTS). Latra inspectors will continue auditing compliance legal action will be taken against violators.
The universal online ticketing system is also expected to support bookings across various transport modes, including the standard gauge railway (SGR), metre gauge railway (MGR) and long-distance road services, accessible via smartphones or computers.
