Upcountry bus drivers in Tanzania initiated a strike on September 29, 2026, at around 6am, causing passengers to be stranded at the Magufuli Bus Terminal in Dar es Salaam. The strike is in response to a new traffic penalty system introduced through Government Notice No. 420, which assigns each driving licence 15 points that are deducted based on the type and severity of traffic offences.
The demerit points system has sparked opposition from drivers, who argue that certain offences, such as using worn-out tyres or driving vehicles with mechanical defects, should be the responsibility of vehicle owners or employers, rather than resulting in points being deducted from their licences. Drivers fear that accumulating penalties could lead to the suspension of their licences, affecting their livelihoods.
The Tanzania Bus Owners Association (Taboa) spokesperson, Mustapha Mwalongo, confirmed the strike and stated that drivers wanted their concerns over possible licence suspensions addressed. He added that efforts were being made to resolve the issue and allow passengers to travel.
The chairman of the Tanzania Bus Drivers Union, Majura Kafumu, also confirmed the strike, saying the union was at the Magufuli Bus Terminal seeking a solution. The union's involvement indicates a collective effort by drivers to address their concerns and find a resolution to the dispute.
Elias Lukumay, chairman of the Tanzania Truck Owners Association (Tatoa), expressed concerns that the demerit points system could be unfair and put drivers' jobs at risk. He called for dialogue between drivers and authorities, suggesting that a committee be formed to engage with stakeholders and find a common solution.
Lukumay emphasized the need for education and awareness about the system, including the reasons behind penalties and how they would be applied. He noted that the main concern among drivers was the possibility of losing their jobs due to traffic offences carrying specified points, and that the issue required careful handling through dialogue and accountability.
The strike has prompted calls from transport sector leaders for the Government and relevant authorities to intervene and help resolve the dispute, ensuring that bus services can resume normally. The situation remains unresolved, with drivers seeking a solution that addresses their concerns and allows them to continue working without fear of licence suspension.
Key points
- - The strike was initiated in response to a new traffic penalty system that deducts points from driving licences for various offences. - Drivers argue that certain offences should be the responsibility of vehicle owners or employers, rather than resulting in points being deducted from their licences. - The strike has prompted calls for dialogue and intervention from the Government and relevant authorities to resolve the dispute.
