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Approved SGR fares draw mixed sentiments
An SGR train in Dar es Salaam. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- The newly approved standard gauge railway (SGR) fares have attracted mixed sentiments
Dar es Salaam. The newly approved standard gauge railway (SGR) fares have attracted mixed sentiments.
Transport stakeholders and academics who spoke to The Citizen on Tuesday said the government should take a number of measures to ensure that bus operators remain in business and buses complement SGR services instead of the two modes of transport being engaged in cut-throat competition.
The Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Latra) on Monday announced SGR fares, with tickets for children and adults costing Sh6,500 and Sh13,000, respectively, for a ride between Dar es Salaam and Morogoro.
Fares for children and adults travelling between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma have been set at Sh15,500 and Sh31,000, respectively.
In comparison, bus firms charge Sh13,000 between Dar es Salaam and Morogoro, while fares between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma range from Sh26,000 to Sh29,000.
With SGR trains expected to travel at speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour, the Tanzania Bus Owners Association (Taboa) has asked the government to consider raising the speed limit for buses to 100kph from 80kph.
“In order for long-distance buses to compete effectively, the government should raise the speed limit to 100kph and further improve roads and related infrastructure, especially on feeder routes. This will enable us to transport passengers from SGR stations to their final destinations more efficiently, and conveniently,” Taboa secretary-general Priscus Joseph told The Citizen on Tuesday.
He said many people travelling on the SGR will need to go beyond Morogoro and Dodoma, thus creating a business opportunity for bus operators.
“For instance, Dodoma will not be the final destination for all those boarding SGR trains. Many will be travelling to other regions and this is where the importance of buses will be apparent,” Mr Joseph added.
He said Taboa does not view SGR fares as an impediment to bus operation and that what they have done is create a wide choice for travellers.
The Taboa official urged the government to ensure that the SGR operates profitably by attracting private investment.
This would prevent Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) from relying on subsidies, he added.
“This way, the government will get much-needed additional revenue. We are currently burdened with high taxes to support projects such as the SGR and expansion of the bus rapid transit system in Dar es Salaam.”
