Tanzania launches trial phase of Bus Rapid Transit system

The trial service of Tanzania's Phase III Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses started on November 9, 2026, in Dar es Salaam. The service, operated by Mofat, aims to connect Mnazi Mmoja, Kariakoo, and Kivukoni with Gongo la Mboto. Another route will pass through Buguruni to Ilala Boma. This development is part of the third phase of the BRT project, which seeks to improve public transport along Nyerere Road.

According to Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit Agency (Dart) chief executive officer, Mr Said Tunda, the trial is intended to assess operational capacity and identify infrastructure defects that need to be addressed before the official launch. He mentioned that the service could not yet be declared fully operational because some essential facilities, such as the depot and smart ticketing gates, are still under construction.

Mofat spokesperson, Mr Philip Chalanga, confirmed that the company is conducting trial operations. A visit to Mnazi Mmoja and Kariakoo on November 10, 2026, found buses carrying passengers with considerable queues at ticketing points. Initially, eight buses were deployed, but 20 more were added on Tuesday following increased demand.

The initial arrangement involved providing free shuttle transport for passengers travelling from Mnazi Mmoja and surrounding areas to Kariakoo, where they could purchase tickets before boarding BRT buses. Passengers travelling from Posta were similarly transported by shuttle to Kivukoni to purchase tickets. Services were initially scheduled for students between 6 am and 8 am, while services for adults operated from 3 pm to 9 pm.

Fares for the service were set at Sh200 for students and Sh1,000 for adults. Commuters have welcomed the trial, saying the service could significantly reduce transport costs and time spent in traffic. Ms Aysha Saleh said the Sh1,000 fare from Kariakoo to Gongo la Mboto offered considerable savings compared with the Sh3,000 to Sh4,000 she previously spent on motorcycle taxis and three-wheelers.

Residents have expressed relief over the reduced journey times, with Mr Aron Marwa describing the service as a relief after years of struggling with traffic congestion. He said journeys that sometimes took up to three hours to reach Banana could now take less than 30 minutes. Ms Anna Mwakasale urged the government to speed up the installation of smart ticketing gates, citing safety concerns over the current arrangements.

The third phase of the BRT project is expected to improve public transport along Nyerere Road and connect more residents to central Dar es Salaam. The service is attracting considerable demand, and residents are hopeful that it will significantly ease their daily commute. Key aspects of the project include reducing traffic congestion and providing an efficient public transport system.

Key points

• The trial service aims to assess operational capacity and identify infrastructure defects before the official launch.
• The service is expected to reduce transport costs and time spent in traffic for Dar es Salaam residents.
• The third phase of the BRT project will improve public transport along Nyerere Road and connect more residents to central Dar es Salaam.