The Struggle for Reliable Public Transport in Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam, a bustling city in Tanzania, has long faced challenges with its public transport system. Among the most pressing issues is the overwhelming demand for reliable and efficient transportation. While many residents have come to expect delays and overcrowding, one project that was once seen as a potential solution has instead become a symbol of frustration.
The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, launched in 2016, was intended to be a game-changer for the city’s transport woes. It was supposed to provide a fast, safe, and efficient way for commuters to navigate through the congested streets. However, over the years, the BRT has struggled to meet expectations, leading to growing dissatisfaction among citizens.
A Project in Crisis
Despite being hailed as a revolutionary approach to urban mobility, the BRT has faced numerous operational and logistical challenges. One of the most visible problems is the shortage of buses. This has led to long queues at stations, forcing passengers to crowd into already overloaded vehicles. In some cases, commuters have been seen clinging precariously to window frames, highlighting the severity of the crisis.
Viral videos and images have captured these scenes, drawing attention to the dire conditions on the ground. Frustrations have even escalated into unrest. On October 1, 2025, residents hurled stones at two buses and several stations, smashing windows. Police confirmed that three suspects were arrested in connection with the incidents.
The Unresolved Ticketing System
Another major issue plaguing the BRT is its ticketing system. Initially, an electronic ticketing system was introduced by MaxMalipo. However, the system was later withdrawn and reinstated in another form, still plagued by glitches. Sometimes it crashes, sometimes tickets fail to scan, and at other times, passengers pay cash and receive paper slips. This inconsistency raises questions about whether the problem is technological, managerial, or linked to vested interests.
Management and Leadership Changes
The management of the BRT has also been a source of concern. At first, the project was run by businessman Robert Kisena, who imported the initial fleet. However, disputes arose, leading to legal complications. Kisena was jailed, and the government took control of the project. The reasons behind this transition remain unclear—was it due to failings in private management, or did the state feel compelled to intervene?
Over the past nine years, the project has seen frequent changes in leadership. Directors such as Mr. Ronald Rwakatare, Dr. Edwin Mhede, Dr. Athuman Kihamia, and now Mr. Said Tunda have come and gone. Udart, the agency responsible for managing the project, has also cycled through leaders. This constant turnover raises questions about whether the problem lies with individuals or with the system itself.
Promises of New Buses
Repeated promises of new buses have often gone unfulfilled. For example, 72 units were left idle at the port for years, while other promised buses never materialized. Were these failures due to weak planning or conflicting interests? The lack of progress has only deepened the crisis.
Temporary Solutions and Long-Term Concerns
In an attempt to address the growing discontent, buses from the second phase, owned by Mofart Company, were diverted to Morogoro Road on October 2, 2025. This move aimed to ease public anger ahead of the delayed launch of Kilwa Road services. However, experts like economist Oscar Mkude argue that such measures are only short-term fixes and not sustainable solutions.
Mkude emphasized the need to return to the core vision of the project: securing an investor capable of supplying enough buses. He pointed out that the crisis exists because no new buses have been added since the project’s inception.
Expert Opinions and Political Involvement
Dr. Paul Loisulie of the University of Dodoma (UDOM) argued that politics must be separated from technical management. He stressed the importance of identifying and removing barriers to ensure accountability. Similarly, former Lands Minister Prof. Anna Tibaijuka questioned how a once-promising project had become a burden. She highlighted the need to revisit the project’s foundations, noting that in Europe and Asia, governments and operators subsidize such projects.
Government Intervention and Leadership Changes
Amid growing concerns, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa toured the project and issued directives. He ordered that the number of buses must never be reduced on any route at any time, regardless of passenger numbers. He also announced the addition of 60 new buses from October 2, 2025, bringing the fleet to 90.
In a separate development, President Samia Suluhu Hassan reshuffled the leadership of the project. Mr. Said Tunda was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Dart, replacing Dr. Athuman Kihamia. Mr. Pius Ng’ingo was named Managing Director of Udart, replacing Mr. Waziri Kindamba.
Prime Minister Majaliwa welcomed the changes, expressing hope that the new leadership would implement reforms, including full adoption of electronic fare collection to curb revenue leakages.
Conclusion
The BRT project in Dar es Salaam remains a complex and ongoing challenge. While there have been efforts to address the issues, the road to a sustainable and efficient public transport system is still long. The key lies in resolving the underlying problems, ensuring proper management, and committing to long-term solutions that benefit all residents.
