Prime
BRT Phase 2 launch on as scheduled despite snags
What you need to know:
- The Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit Agency has reaffirmed that operations on the second phase of the bus rapid transit system will begin on September 1, regardless of pending logistical or infrastructural issues
Dar es Salaam. The Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit Agency (Dart) has reaffirmed that operations on the second phase of the bus rapid transit (BRT) system will begin on September 1, regardless of pending logistical or infrastructural issues.
The long-awaited launch will bring major relief to residents of Mbagala and neighbouring areas, who have endured years of transport challenges while waiting for the 20.3-kilometre corridor—stretching from the Central Business District (CBD) to Mbagala via Kilwa Road—to become operational.
Construction of the corridor was completed in 2023, but service rollout was delayed due to late delivery of buses and supporting facilities.
Dart chief executive Athuman Kihamia, told The Citizen on Wednesday that 99 buses are set to be cleared at the Dar es Salaam Port on Thursday, with operators finalising tax procedures to pave the way for their immediate deployment.
“We expect Lake Energies to hand over the CNG (compressed natural gas) filling station to Dart next week for final inspection. Construction is progressing well and operations will start as planned,” he said during an inspection tour of the Kivukoni Terminal, Mbagala Depot and the port with Dart’s board of directors.
Dr Kihamia disclosed that one million smart cards have been ordered in readiness for commuters, while electronic ticketing gates sourced from the United Kingdom and China are expected to arrive within the month.
He stressed that even if there are delays in the delivery of some equipment, services will commence as scheduled. “The only issue that might affect the timing would be if the operator fails to clear the buses at the port. Otherwise, we are ready,” he noted.
On bus fares, Dr Kihamia said that the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Latra) is responsible for announcing official tariffs, following directives issued by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa.
He further cautioned institutions and individuals against requesting special permits to access the BRT lanes, insisting that only buses will be allowed.
“We have been receiving such requests, but Dart will not issue permits. Emergencies must be managed through proper planning,” he said.
The second phase of the BRT is designed to operate with 755 buses, arriving in consignments. Following the 99 buses already at the port, an additional 51 are expected between August 25 and 27.
Dart board chairman Florence Turuka, expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved so far. “We are encouraged by what we have seen. The buses at the port, construction of the Kivukoni terminal and the development of the CNG filling station at Mbagala. Our message is clear: operations must begin on 1 September and all systems should be ready,” he said.
He added that the installation of gas systems at Mbagala Depot is scheduled for completion this week, enabling efficient bus fuelling before the launch.
Earlier this month, the government confirmed receiving the first consignment of 99 BRT buses manufactured by Golden Dragon in China, with 101 more set to be transported by mid-August.
The 18-metre-long buses are expected to ease congestion and cut commuting time between the CBD and Dar es Salaam’s southern suburbs.
In anticipation of operations, Mofat Company Limited, one of the contracted operators, has launched a major recruitment exercise.
The firm’s chief operations officer Mabrouk Masasi told The Citizen in June that more than 423 vacancies had been advertised, including 255 drivers and 158 station assistants.
“This is just the beginning. Once the buses arrive, additional recruitment will follow, with total staff requirements reaching approximately 1,100 employees,” he said.
He said that installation of electronic ticket validation gates, driver training, bus transportation and the finalisation of fare collection systems remain the top priorities before the launch.
“All the buses will be stationed at the Mbagala terminal once they arrive. We have also learnt from the first phase that automated systems are crucial to ensure efficiency and reliability,” he added.
Phase Two of the BRT is expected to transform urban mobility along the Kilwa Road corridor, drastically cutting travel time, reducing congestion and lowering transport costs for commuters.
The project also includes construction of depots, stations and support infrastructure, making it a central pillar of Dar es Salaam’s long-term transport strategy.
With preparations nearly complete and firm assurances from both Dart and the operators, residents of Mbagala and surrounding areas are now counting down the days to the launch of a service long promised but often delayed.
This time, however, officials insist that the start date is non-negotiable.
