Passengers arrive at the Dodoma SGR station. The introduction of SGR services has significantly impacted bus operators who previously depended on transporting passengers between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma.
Dar es Salaam. The year 2024 marked a transformative milestone in Tanzania’s transport sector, as the government launched the long-anticipated Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) electric train services between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma.
The project, a testament to the nation’s commitment to modernisation and economic growth, has come at a cost to some businesses.
Among the most affected are bus operators who relied heavily on transporting passengers between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma.
However, bus operators are not sitting idle. To stay competitive, bus operators have adapted by introducing new routes in response to the SGR’s competition.
Over 20 new routes have been established, originating from Dodoma and connecting to other regions.
Some bus companies have started exploring new destinations they had not previously covered.
Shabiby Bus Company manager Edward Magawa told The Citizen that new routes include Dodoma-Sumbawanga, Dodoma-Mbeya, Dodoma-Songea, Dar es Salaam-Arusha, and Dar es Salaam-Tunduma.
“We anticipate that before the end of this year, we will expand transport operations from Dodoma to Mwanza, Kigoma, and Bukoba. The company has also ordered 30 buses, expected to arrive this December,” he said.
According to Mr Magawa, despite the SGR’s commencement, Shabiby will continue to offer transport services as the country’s extensive road network provides opportunities where the railway does not reach.
He also noted operational changes since the SGR’s launch. “We have only discontinued two early morning trips that start at 3 am and 5 am. We still maintain other routes departing at 09:30 am, 10:30 am, noon, and 2:30 pm. At night, we have buses leaving at 8 pm, 9:00 pm, and 11 pm.
According to him, one notable change is that passengers no longer book tickets in advance as often, due to the availability of the SGR train services.
Kimbinyiko Bus Company director Ferdinand Mabumo revealed that his company has introduced six new routes to adapt to the changing market.
“We have reduced trips between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma from 10 to four per day,” he said. The new routes include Dar es Salaam-Tunduma, Mbeya-Dodoma, Dar es Salaam-Arusha, Dodoma-Moshi, and Dodoma-Arusha. The company is also planning to expand its operations to Nairobi, Kenya, he said.
Meanwhile, ABC Bus Company director Tony Ngalo hinted at a potential shift in business focus. “We are in discussions to change our business model. ABC relied heavily on the Dar es Salaam-Dodoma route,” he said.
The Tanzania Bus Owners Association (Taboa) communications director, Mr Mustapha Mwalango, reported a noticeable decline in passenger numbers and an increase in idle buses. “The SGR has impacted our operations more than we initially anticipated,” he said.
Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Latra) head of communications Salim Pazzy urged bus operators to view the SGR as an opportunity rather than a threat.
“With the SGR serving as a central hub, there will be increased demand for buses to transport passengers from Dodoma to other regions,” he said.
Latra’s road transport director, Johansen Kahatano, confirmed the decline in bus services. “Our surveys show a decrease in bus trips and passenger numbers since the SGR began. We are working on strategies to mitigate these impacts,” he said.
He said Latra plans to convene a stakeholders’ meeting with transporters and the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) to explore ways to enhance connectivity and reduce passenger costs. The meeting will focus on integrating bus and rail services, particularly near SGR stations.
The bus operators, however, remain hopeful that increased collaboration and strategic planning will ensure the continued provision of vital services across the country.
