Joseph Isangura
The Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) has unveiled the new fare structure for the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Tanzania, set to commence operations from Dar es Salaam to Makutupora in July 2024.
This announcement follows detailed consultations with stakeholders and a comprehensive review by the LATRA Board of Directors.
For the journey from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro, spanning 192 kilometers, the fare is set at TZS 13,000 for adults in standard class. The longer trip from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma, covering 444 kilometers, will cost TZS 31,000. These fares apply to adults, while children aged 4 to 12 will pay half the adult fare per kilometer: TZS 34.76 compared to TZS 69.51 for adults. Children under four years can travel for free, but their details must be registered in the passenger information system
LATRA’s Director General emphasized that the new fares are designed to ensure affordability while maintaining the financial sustainability of the railway operations. The fare structure takes into account the quality of service and the significant investment made in the SGR project, which represents a major step forward in modernizing Tanzania’s transportation infrastructure
The SGR project, which has seen substantial progress, is expected to revolutionize travel between major cities in Tanzania. The first and second phases, covering the route from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma, are nearing completion, with the Morogoro to Makutupora section at over 96% completion. Subsequent phases will extend the railway to Mwanza and Kigoma, integrating Tanzania more deeply into the East African Railway Master Plan
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TRC officials have expressed confidence that the SGR will commence operations as scheduled in July, as directed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The President’s directive underscores the government’s commitment to improving the nation’s transport infrastructure and boosting economic connectivity
This development promises to offer a reliable and efficient mode of transport, significantly reducing travel time between cities and enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers across Tanzania. The introduction of these fares and the anticipated launch of the SGR service marks a significant milestone in Tanzania’s journey towards modernizing its transportation network, facilitating economic growth, and improving the quality of life for its citizens
The implementation of the SGR is expected to not only improve passenger travel but also enhance the transportation of goods across the country, thereby reducing costs and improving efficiency in the logistics sector. This aligns with Tanzania’s broader economic goals of fostering regional integration and boosting trade within the East African Community
As the launch date approaches, LATRA and TRC are working to ensure that all systems are in place for a smooth start. This includes finalizing the infrastructure, testing the trains, and setting up the ticketing systems to handle the expected demand. The public is eagerly awaiting this new era of rail travel, which promises to transform the way people and goods move across Tanzania
