Joseph Isangura
Public transport services along the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor from Mbagala to Posta and Gerezani resumed yesterday, offering much-needed relief to thousands of commuters who had struggled with transport challenges since the temporary shutdown.
The suspension followed infrastructure damage reported during the October 29, 2025 unrest, which occurred on the day of Tanzania’s General Election.
The Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Albert Chalamila, had announced the halt on November 5, explaining that the authorities needed time to inspect the damaged sections and ensure the safety of passengers before reopening the route. The disruption forced many residents of Mbagala and nearby neighborhoods to depend on alternative transport options that were costlier, more congested, and significantly slower.
During a visit to the Mbagala corridor yesterday, several passengers expressed relief and gratitude as operations resumed. Many described the restoration as a major improvement that would ease daily movement and help stabilize routines after days of uncertainty.
Mariam Shemdoe, a resident of Mbande, said the return of the service brought immediate comfort to her community.
“We are very happy to see the rapid buses back on the road,” she said. “The traffic jams were exhausting, and using other types of transport became too expensive. With the service restored, we can reach the city center much faster and with less stress. We only hope everyone will take care of this infrastructure so we don’t experience these difficulties again.”
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Repair efforts included restoring the damaged bus lanes, fixing station equipment, and reactivating parts of the ticketing system. Officials stated that although the service is now fully operational, more rehabilitation work will continue to strengthen the entire corridor.
Authorities have urged the public to protect public infrastructure, emphasizing that vandalism affects not only government resources but also daily livelihoods. Transport experts highlight the importance of the BRT system in managing movement in Dar es Salaam, a rapidly growing city where road congestion continues to be a major challenge.
The resumption of service is expected to revitalize small businesses along the route and reduce transport-related financial pressure for many households. For residents, the return of the system signals a hopeful step toward restoring normalcy after days of disruption.
Government officials reaffirmed their commitment to improving urban transport infrastructure, enhancing passenger safety, and preventing similar incidents in the future. They also encouraged citizens to take collective responsibility in safeguarding the BRT system, which remains essential for reliable and efficient urban mobility.
