Dynamic Leadership and 100 New Buses Set to Revolutionize Tanzania’s DART Landscape

By Adonis Byemelwa

The Tanzanian government has embarked on a significant initiative to enhance Dar es Salaam's rapid transit system, addressing recent complaints about overcrowding and inadequate services.

On July 15, 2024, in a meeting with media editors and the Registrar of the Treasury, Nehemia Mchechu, it was revealed that Udart, now 85% government-owned, is in discussions with NMB Bank to secure a loan for purchasing 100 rapid transit buses. The acquisition process, from order placement to the arrival of the buses, is expected to take up to six months.

Mchechu explained, “Udart is now 85% government-owned. Initially, it was operated by the private sector with minimal government involvement, which led to a significant debt burden. Over the past two months, I have been holding meetings with Dart, the company overseeing infrastructure, and Udart, which manages operations and buses.”

He emphasized the need for multiple service providers to avoid disruptions, stating, “At this stage, we need more than five or six service providers, not just one company. If the sole operator strikes or encounters issues, the entire city comes to a standstill. Having multiple operators also makes it easier to identify who is providing quality service.”

In March 2024, the Minister of State in the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government, Mohammed Mchengerwa, mandated the Dar Rapid Transit Agency (Dart) to secure a private investor by October 2024 to enhance service efficiency. Responding to this directive, Dar es Salaam's Rapid Transit system is set for a transformation, driven by a new investor and a fleet expansion initiative.

The Emirates National Group, from the United Arab Emirates, emerged as the winning bidder through a meticulous selection process under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework. This partnership marks a pivotal moment in Dar es Salaam's transit landscape. The Emirates National Group will introduce 177 state-of-the-art buses, augmenting the existing fleet operational since 2016. This infusion aims to alleviate system strain, reducing prolonged wait times at stations due to increased demand.

Fanuel Karugendo, Dart's Director of Transportation Development, emphasized the transparent selection process and outlined the timeline for the new buses. He committed to efficiency, stating that the company has six months to deliver the buses, offering flexibility in implementation.

A significant leap forward in Dar es Salaam's transit infrastructure is the implementation of electronic fare payment systems. Following successful trials at the Morocco station, passengers can anticipate a seamless transition from traditional ticketing methods to card-based transactions, promising a more convenient and modernized experience.

Residents of Dar es Salaam have greeted these impending changes with optimism, envisioning improved services and smoother commuting experiences. The introduction of the Emirates National Group into the city's transit landscape signals a turning point, with hopes pinned on the company's expertise to address longstanding challenges.

However, past shortcomings in infrastructure investment and operational efficiency remain concerns. The city has grappled with overcrowding and a shortage of buses, as highlighted in a recent Controller and Auditor General (CAG) report. Urgent recommendations have been put forth to expand the fleet to meet the burgeoning demand effectively.

As Dar es Salaam braces for this transformative phase, the experiences of Emirates National Group in operating Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems worldwide offer invaluable insights. With a proven track record of successful implementations, the company brings a wealth of expertise to elevate Dar es Salaam's transit network to new heights of efficiency and reliability.

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 is paramount for ensuring smooth mobility, reducing commute times, and addressing residents' safety concerns.

However, the challenges facing the Dart system extend beyond operational issues. Terminals like Mbagala initially envisioned as key transport hubs, have unfortunately transformed into hotspots for illicit activities. These terminals, set up to serve the public efficiently, are rendered ineffective due to the lack of buses operating in these areas.

Frequent leadership changes in Tanzania's transit sector raise concerns about their effectiveness. The recent appointment of Dr. Athuman Kihamia as CEO highlights this issue. On March 12, 2024, President Samia Suluhu Hassan appointed Waziri Kindamba as the new Executive Director of the Urban Bus Rapid Transit Company (UDART).

 Kindamba, who previously served as Regional Commissioner of Tanga and Njombe, steps into this role just two months after Kihamia took charge of the Dar Rapid Transit Agency (DART). The success of the transit system will depend not only on strong leadership but also on well-defined and effectively executed government strategies.

In light of 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 inject the efficiency needed to address current shortcomings.

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

The Dart system in Dar es Salaam is not 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.

With the planned improvements and strategic partnerships, Dar es Salaam is poised for a significant transformation in its transit system, promising a more efficient, reliable, and modernized public transportation network for its residents.