Tanzania: Dar es Salaam Bus Rapid Transit (DART) System Faces Challenges Amidst Expansion Plans

By Adonis Byemelwa

In a twist of fate, Dar es Salaam's once-celebrated Bus Rapid Transit (DART) system grapples with challenges, casting shadows over its initial promise of punctuality, affordability, and safety.

The unfolding narrative portrays a system entangled in issues that could redefine its status in public transportation.

As we delve into the complexities of DART, a closer look becomes imperative to fathom the root causes and explore potential solutions to rekindle its original promise and regain its status as a beacon of efficient urban transit.

The strain on the existing fleet of 140 buses, intended for 50,000 passengers, has resulted in frequent breakdowns, compromising the system's reliability.

Commuters endure long waits, chaotic scenes at bus stops, and physical struggles during peak hours.

Overcrowding not only raises safety concerns but also provides opportunities for criminal activities. Despite promises of improvement, ongoing efforts to enhance the service have left commuters disillusioned.

DART's claim of awaiting approval for 70 additional buses faces uncertainty, leaving passengers unsure of when much-needed relief will arrive.

As of the latest data in 2024, Dar es Salaam's metro area population has surged to 8,161,000, marking a 4.95% increase from 2023, according to the World Population Review.

These statistics underscore the urgent need for an enhanced public transportation system to cope with the city's ever-growing demands.

Frustrated residents call on President Samia Suluhu Hassan to intervene and address the apparent shortcomings in the DART system.

Safety concerns arise as doors fail to close properly, forcing passengers to squeeze even more. Special seats reserved for vulnerable groups reportedly remain underutilized as passengers prioritize finding any available space. In a recent development, Dr. Athuman Kihamia assumes the role of CEO, succeeding Dr. Edwin Mhede.

Known for previous roles in public administration, Dr. Kihamia is expected to address the challenges facing the transit system.

Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Albert Chalamila, acknowledges existing challenges and emphasizes the government's commitment to improving public transport.

To address concerns, DART announced new fare prices approved by the Surface and Marine Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA), effective immediately, aiming for a fair pricing structure.

Dr. Athuman Kihamia, the new CEO, pledges to address commuters' concerns and restore the system's efficiency and reliability.

Challenges faced by DART come amidst massive infrastructure investments transforming Africa, including Tanzania.

The DART project, part of these investments, is a high-quality, high-capacity Bus Rapid Transit system aiming to revolutionize public transport in Dar es Salaam. However, current issues cast a shadow on its initial success.

In a recent interview with Business Excellence, Dr. Edwin Mhede, the former Chief Executive of the DART agency, illuminated the agency's inception and its mission to deliver top-notch and efficient public transportation services.

The first phase of the BRT road network, initiated in 2016 with support from the World Bank, currently serves 180,000 passengers per day using a fleet of 210 buses.

Dr. Mhede outlined the technological advancements of the DART system, including an Automated Fare Collection System, a mobile application providing real-time information to commuters, and plans for additional systems like Intelligent Transportation and Network Monitoring.

According to him, the system aims to reduce commute times and improve overall transport services in Dar es Salaam.

Despite these ambitious plans, the current challenges facing the DART system highlight the urgent need for intervention to maintain its promise as a transformative public transport solution for Dar es Salaam.

Amid Dar es Salaam's exponential population growth, the importance of a reliable and efficient transport system cannot be overstated.

The DART system once hailed as a symbol of progress in public transportation, now stands at a critical juncture.

As the city grapples with the daily challenges of a burgeoning population, the success of the DART system becomes paramount for ensuring smooth mobility, reducing commute times, and addressing the safety concerns of its residents.

However, the challenges facing the DART system extend beyond operational issues. Terminals like that of Mbagala initially envisioned as key transport hubs have unfortunately transformed into hotspots for illicit activities.

The irony lies in the fact that these terminals were set up with the expectation of serving the public efficiently, only to be rendered ineffective due to the lack of buses operating in these areas.

The frequent change in leadership, marked by the recent appointment of Dr. Athuman Kihamia as CEO, prompts reflection on the efficacy of such transitions.

It becomes evident that changing faces at the top may not be sufficient to overcome systemic challenges. The success of the DART system hinges not only on capable leadership but also on well-defined and efficiently executed government plans.

In light of the pressing issues, a transformative suggestion emerges – the full privatization of the BRT system.

Handing over operational control to experienced business tycoons, free from political entanglements, could potentially inject the efficiency needed to address the current shortcomings.

This move would usher in a profit-driven approach, aligning success with market demands and customer satisfaction, while minimizing bureaucratic obstacles.

In essence, the DART system in Dar es Salaam isn't merely a transit service; it stands as a crucial force shaping the city's destiny.

With the population booming, a robust public transportation network emerges as the lifeblood of urban progress.

Overcoming current hurdles requires more than leadership shifts; it demands a bold strategic overhaul, potentially through privatization.

This transformation is essential to ensure the DART system lives up to its commitment as a catalyst for the city's growth, becoming a truly transformative power propelling Dar es Salaam into a brighter, more efficient future.

As the city evolves, the DART system becomes more than just buses on the move – it becomes the thread weaving the fabric of Dar es Salaam's future.

Facing the challenges head-on, embracing innovation, and possibly privatizing operations pave the way for the DART system to not just be a transit solution but a truly transformative power propelling the city forward.

The slender lanes at Keko stand as a poignant reminder: meticulous infrastructure planning is the key. A city in motion requires careful consideration to avert potential disruptions and guarantee the safety and convenience of its commuters.

In the vibrant narrative of Dar es Salaam's progress, the DART system emerges as a colorful chapter, poised to paint a brighter, more efficient future for all who call the city home.