Scania eyes Dar BRT II as operations beckon

Dar es Salaam. With just three months left before the second phase of Dar es Salaam’s bus rapid transit (BRT) becomes operational, Scania Tanzania Limited has expressed interest in supplying buses for the new route linking Kariakoo and Mbagala.

The Swedish company, which maintains a strong presence in Tanzania, has showcased buses under the category of large vehicles on its social media platforms, signalling its readiness to contribute to Dar es Salaam's transportation system.

“We’ve got something very exciting coming soon! Get ready to see this sleekly designed bus, crafted just for Tanzania. We are excited to see it running on the BRT line soon,” Scania said in a statement, referring to an articulated bus with the body built by Brazilian firm Marcopolo.

CCM ideology and publicity secretary Amos Makalla last month announced that over 200 buses are expected to begin operations on the Mbagala route in December.

Attempts to get more detailed information from Scania were unsuccessful, as a company employee declined to comment but suggested sending queries for a later response.

However, Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit Agency (Dart) chief executive Athuman Kihamia clarified that the government does not have a contract with Scania for the supply of buses.

The initial plan is that buses on the second phase of the BRT Project would be powered by natural gas in an effort to reduce emissions and cut operational costs.

“We had discussions with Scania in previous years about potentially supplying buses, but those talks ended with the adoption of the BRT policy,” he explained.

Dr Kihamia further noted that the BRT policy requires the private sector to purchase buses, while Dart manages the infrastructure. The agency is currently in the process of selecting a service provider for Phase II, with three bidders already showing interest.

“Once the winning bidder is identified, we will make an announcement and finalise the contracts. The bus seen on social media is a demonstration model for any interested investors who would want to operate the BRT,” he said.

Available reports show that while several other phases were currently under construction, the BRT Phase I still requires an additional 170 buses for efficient operation.

A total of 500 buses could be needed for the launch of BRT Phase II on the Mbagala route.

Bus operators have expressed their willingness to invest in the BRT project if improvements are made to fare collection systems and operating contracts. The Tanzania Bus Owners Association (Taboa) has been advocating for more involvement in the BRT system to ensure the sustainability of their businesses amidst the changing transportation landscape, especially with the expansion of the railway network. But it could not be immediately established whether some the three bidders already showing interest in operating the BRT Phase 2 are locals.

Taboa Secretary General Joseph Priscus revealed that discussions with Dart in 2022 involved proposals for bus operators to purchase and operate buses within the BRT infrastructure. However, they have yet to receive a formal response. “We proposed investing in buses while the government retains control of the infrastructure, but we have not received any feedback,” he said.

Earlier this month, Minister of State in the President’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government) Mr Mohamed Mchengerwa urged Dart and Udart to integrate upcountry bus operators into the BRT system to enhance commuter services instead of relying solely on foreign investors.

Mr Mchengerwa emphasised the urgency of resolving the bus shortage, stating, "BRT Phase I still requires 170 buses, and 500 buses are needed for Phase II. Ensure that buses are procured by December this year."

In a separate initiative, President Samia Suluhu Hassan recently launched a strategic plan aimed at transitioning 80 percent of Tanzanian households to clean energy for cooking by 2034. The Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) is championing the effort, given the high levels of deforestation due to charcoal use.

Plans are underway to showcase how TFS intends to reduce charcoal use and promote cleaner alternatives.