Joseph Isangura
Dar es Salaam is gearing up to launch the second phase of its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, scheduled to begin full operations on September 1, 2025.
The Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit Agency (DART) has already received 99 new buses from the Chinese manufacturer Golden Dragon, with another 101 buses expected to arrive by mid-August. These 18-meter-long buses will serve the 20.3-kilometer Phase Two corridor — an important expansion aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving public transport in Tanzania’s largest city.
Dr. Athuman Kihamnia, the CEO of DART, shared from China that he personally oversaw the buses being loaded at Glovis Precious Port in Xiamen City. These buses, owned by local operator Mofat Company Limited, are expected to reach Dar es Salaam within 21 working days from mid-July.
Alongside fleet expansion, Mofat Company Limited has launched a large recruitment drive to hire over 1,000 staff members to prepare for Phase Two operations. By late June, more than 423 vacancies had already been advertised, primarily for drivers and station assistants, with mechanics and other support roles also included. This recruitment effort is critical to ensure efficient management and operation of the expanded system.
The Phase Two corridor, constructed by China’s Sinohydro Construction Limited at a cost of approximately $159 million (around 285 billion Tanzanian shillings), will connect key areas along Kilwa Road from Gerezani to Mbagala.
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This corridor expansion forms part of a wider urban transport strategy designed to provide reliable, fast, and environmentally friendly transit solutions.
Significantly, the new buses will operate on compressed natural gas (CNG), a cleaner fuel alternative to diesel, marking a shift toward greener public transport options in Dar es Salaam. This reflects a broader commitment to sustainability and reducing urban air pollution.
Beyond the physical buses, DART is implementing advanced technologies such as automated electronic ticketing gates, real-time bus tracking, passenger information systems, and traffic management tools. These enhancements are intended to provide a smoother, more convenient experience for passengers and increase operational efficiency.
As the buses make their journey from China and recruitment progresses locally, residents of Dar es Salaam can look forward to shorter travel times and reduced congestion along one of the city’s busiest corridors. The Phase Two launch represents a key milestone in Tanzania’s ongoing efforts to modernize its public transport infrastructure and support sustainable urban development.
