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Tanzania is eagerly anticipating the arrival of 250 new buses from China, which will mark the start of the second phase of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Dar es Salaam.
The new phase, covering a 20.3-kilometre route from the city centre to Mbagala via Kilwa Road, promises to revolutionize public transport in the bustling city.
The infrastructure for this phase was completed in August 2024, but operations have been delayed due to the absence of buses. Speaking to reporters, the Chief Executive Officer of the Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit Agency (Dart), Mr. Athuman Kihamia, assured that the buses are in the final stages of preparation and will be arriving soon.
“We expect the buses to arrive within two to three months, and once they’re here, we’ll be ready to launch operations,” said Mr. Kihamia. “These are compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered buses, which reflect our commitment to reducing environmental pollution while meeting transportation demands.”
This phase of the BRT system is crucial for Dar es Salaam, a city grappling with traffic congestion and overcrowded public transport. The introduction of these buses is expected to provide a much-needed solution, offering efficient, reliable, and eco-friendly mobility for the city’s rapidly growing population.
The BRT Phase 2 infrastructure, built at a cost of $159.32 million by Sinohydro Construction Limited of China, has already been handed over to Dart. The route is strategically designed to connect major areas, ensuring faster and more affordable transit options for commuters.
A standout feature of this new phase is the government’s decision to power all future BRT buses with clean energy, such as compressed natural gas and electricity. This move is part of a broader effort to combat climate change and reduce urban air pollution.
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“Starting with this phase, all buses will run on clean energy,” Mr. Kihamia explained. “We are not just improving public transport; we are also prioritizing sustainability and the health of our citizens.”
The new buses will enhance the capacity of the existing BRT network, which has become an essential lifeline for residents of Dar es Salaam. Commuters currently face long waits and overcrowded buses, issues the new fleet aims to resolve.
The second phase is expected to have a significant impact on daily life in the city, reducing travel times and making commutes more comfortable. It’s also part of Tanzania’s broader vision of modernizing its urban transport systems to align with global trends in sustainability and efficiency.
For residents, the news brings hope. Many have expressed excitement about the upcoming changes, anticipating a smoother and more pleasant commuting experience. For the government and Dart, the launch of this phase will demonstrate their commitment to improving urban infrastructure while addressing environmental concerns.
As the city waits for the buses to arrive, the stage is set for Dar es Salaam to take another step toward becoming a model of modern, sustainable urban transport in Africa. The countdown has begun, and the promise of change is on the horizon.
