Dart phases out paper tickets, introduces smart cards
What you need to know:
- Passengers will no longer use paper tickets on Rapid Transit Buses. Instead, all commuters must pay fares using smart cards, which are already available at major bus stations.
Dar es Salaam. The Dar Rapid Transit Agency (Dart) has announced a major shift in its ticketing system, confirming that paper tickets will be phased out from March 1, 2025.
Instead, all passengers using the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system will be required to use smart cards, which are already available for purchase at all BRT stations.
Dart Chief Executive Officer, Dr Athumani Kihamia, made the announcement during the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) project event, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to modernising the public transport system.
“We have been encouraging commuters to acquire and use smart cards, but some have remained hesitant. I want to stress that from March 1, paper tickets will be fully discontinued to ensure all passengers transition to smart cards,” he said.
Dr Kihamia said that smart cards will streamline transactions by eliminating common issues such as a lack of change while also reducing revenue losses and leakages.
In a related development, he also revealed that the government has signed a contract with a new service provider for the second phase of the BRT project, which will extend the service along Kilwa Road to Mbagala.
“Under this government, significant progress has been made. From March 31, residents of Mbagala and surrounding areas will finally enjoy the much-anticipated Mwendokasi service,” he said.
The second phase of the project will also require passengers to use smart cards to address the challenges experienced with paper tickets during the initial phase.
Speaking at the same event, Mr Gilbert Moga, representing the Permanent Secretary in the President’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government), said the TOD project has important and that been in development for the past three years.
“The completion of this project marks the beginning of our broader efforts to expand this vision, which was initiated through our Japanese partners under JICA and DART’s supervision, ” he said.
The TOD project aims to enhance public transport efficiency by integrating commercial, residential, and office spaces near transit stations. It also includes the development of pedestrian-friendly areas and improved accessibility to encourage greater public transport use.
