Prime
TRC increases coaches to lessen transport challenges
What you need to know:
- The railway plying to Kigoma will now have 21 coaches, up from 15, while the Arusha railway will have 16 carriages, up from 10
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) yesterday increased the number of coaches and frequencies of passenger trains to Kigoma and Arusha from Dar es Salaam to ease transport challenges during the festive season.
The railway plying to Kigoma will now have 21 coaches, up from 15, while the Arusha railway will have 16 carriages, up from 10.
Furthermore, the number of trips has been increased in the Dar-Kigoma route from two to three a week.
TRC’s decision will aims address transport challenges as the public joins the rest of the world in celebrating end of the year festivals.
“TRC will frequently assess this decision establish its effectiveness and whether and where more coaches will be required,” said TRC director general Masanja Kadogosa.
He said the added coaches are part of the new Meter Gauge Railway (MGR) carriages that have been procured by TRC.
Mr Kadogosa was speaking after witnessing the flagging-off of a train plying between Dar es Salaam and Kigoma comprising 21 carriages with 1,500 passengers aboard.
“We are well prepared for the influx over the holidays. These efforts will address similar challenges in the Dar es Salaam-northern region route ,” he said.
He called on the public to grab their tickets online or TRC offices to avoid unnecessary inconveniences.
November 24, 2022, Mr Kadogosa said TRC will ensure coaches for Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) operations arrive in the country at the contractually agreed time.
He was briefing Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa during his visit to the SGR project in Makutopora, Dodoma.
But, this week, the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Latra) announced the possibility of allowing upcountry buses to operate 24 hours in order to address the increased demand.
Currently, upcountry travel is only permitted till midnight, after which all are mandated to park until dawn.
Latra director general Habibu Suluo told The Citizen that by collaborating with the Ministry of Home Affairs, they will be able to allow buses to travel at night.
