Tanzania’s High-Speed SGR Trains Launch from Dar to Morogoro Amid Fare Hike Buzz.

By Adonis Byemelwa

The Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) has announced the commencement of modern Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) train services between Dar es Salaam and Morogoro, starting Friday, June 14, 2024. This marks a significant milestone in Tanzania's transport sector, occurring nearly two weeks ahead of the official inauguration by President Samia Suluhu Hassan on June 25, 2024.

This early launch comes a month before the deadline set by President Samia on December 31, 2023, directing TRC to begin passenger services by July 2024. The TRC has emphasized that initiating these services signals a strengthening of transport infrastructure, expected to stimulate regional economic growth.

TRC's Director-General, Masanja Kadogosa, highlighted these points during the "Let's board our train, cherish it, and value it" campaign launch on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. This campaign aims to promote the new SGR services and encourage widespread use ahead of the official operations from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma.

"We have launched a campaign to encourage more people to travel by train, so by the time the SGR officially operates from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma on June 25, more people will be aware of it," said Kadogosa. He mentioned that starting with the Dar es Salaam to Morogoro route allows TRC to gain experience and address emerging challenges to enhance future services.

Kadogosa also revealed the fare structure for the Dar es Salaam to Dodoma route: economy class tickets will cost TZS 70,000, business class TZS 100,000, and premium business class TZS 120,000. TRC plans to run two trains daily between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma to meet customer demand.

Regarding security, Kadogosa assured that the trains are equipped with CCTV cameras to monitor passengers both onboard and during boarding and alighting. Continuous surveillance will be maintained throughout the journey to prevent any security threats.

Jamila Mbarouk, TRC's Head of Communications, stated that the initial fares for the Dar es Salaam to Morogoro route were recently announced by the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA). According to LATRA, the fare for adults and children over 12 years old is TZS 13,000, while children under four years will pay TZS 6,500 for the standard class.

Lilian Mselle, TRC's Business Officer, outlined various ticket purchasing methods, including using control numbers (GePG), Visa or MasterCard, and mobile money platforms. This move aims to reduce cash transactions and encourage online payments.

 Mselle noted that food would be sold at stations at affordable prices, prohibiting passengers from bringing food onboard, except for breastfeeding women with baby food for children aged six months to one year. In the business class, passengers are allowed to carry up to 20 kg of luggage for free.

Adam Miyaho, CEO of Tanzania Commercial Bank (TCB), expressed their commitment to partnering with TRC to revolutionize the transport sector. "We have collaborated with TRC in collecting fares. We hope everyone will see SGR as an investment opportunity," Miyaho said.

Mehmet Firat, Project Manager at Yapi Merkezi, described the start of these services as historic, marking the culmination of a project that began years ago. "We have built the SGR from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro, and everything is complete. We expect it to boost the country's economy," Firat stated.

 He added that Tanzania has constructed the best SGR in East and Central Africa, representing a significant advancement for its citizens and the private sector.

The announcement of SGR fares by LATRA has prompted mixed reactions from bus owners, economists, and the public, who see it as a step toward enhancing transportation services. Economists predict that the SGR will increase competition and stimulate economic growth by facilitating the transport of passengers and goods.

According to LATRA's fare announcement on June 10, 2024, the fare from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma in the standard class is Sh 31,000, with children aged 12 and above paying half the price based on the distance.

 Other fares include Sh 1,000 to Pugu, Sh 4,000 to Soga, Sh 5,000 to Ruvu, Sh 9,000 to Ngerengere, Sh 13,000 to Morogoro, Sh 16,000 to Mkata, Sh 18,000 to Kilosa, Sh 22,000 to Kidete, Sh 25,000 to Gulwe, Sh 27,000 to Igandu, Sh 31,000 to Dodoma, Sh 35,000 to Bahi, and Sh 37,000 to Makutupora.

John Priscus, Secretary General of the Tanzania Bus Owners Association (TABOA), acknowledged the competitive fares but emphasized that service quality would determine passengers' choice of transport. "It can't eliminate us. There are still things that a customer needs, such as their drop-off point, and ease of service access, and it won't be easy to kill our business," Priscus remarked.

Economist Dr. Hajji Msangi noted that the SGR's introduction would increase competition in the transport sector, especially as passenger numbers rise daily. "Our roads are congested, so trains will make a difference, but their presence doesn't prevent other service providers," Msangi explained. He added that bus owners could still adapt by redirecting their routes to avoid losses.

Prof. Haji Semboja from Zanzibar University (SUZA) emphasized that in transportation, every mode has its niche. "For citizens, it's a good thing, and there will be competition in providing quality services. The evident benefit is an increase in passenger and cargo transport services," Semboja stated. He further mentioned that SGR's primary goal is to connect Tanzania with neighboring countries, enhancing regional integration.

As the TRC launches these services, Alpha Secondary School teacher Mussa Lugete urged the corporation to strictly adhere to schedules to avoid inconveniences. "In Africa, you are told to leave at 8:00 AM but depart at 9:00 AM. This frustrates people who prefer reliability," Lugete commented.

Hassan Mwakimi noted that the new service is convenient for those alighting at major stations, but less so for those needing additional road transport. LATRA’s fare announcement, approved by the Board of Directors, ensures distance-based pricing to meet TRC's needs.

High-speed rail (HSR), traveling at least 200 km (124 miles) per hour and cruising up to 355 km (221 miles) per hour, has transformed global transport. More than 20 countries, primarily in Asia and Europe, have embraced HSR, combining speed and efficiency.

From Japan's Shinkansen to France's TGV, high-speed trains have reshaped travel by reducing times, promoting economic growth, and providing a greener alternative to aviation. Budget options are emerging in Europe, making HSR a competitive travel choice.

Germany, Italy, France, Spain, China, and Japan lead with extensive networks. Despite challenges, high-profile projects like California’s HSR and the UK's HS2 promise continued expansion and improvement in the sector. The launch of Tanzania's SGR marks a significant step in this global trend, bringing the benefits of high-speed rail to East Africa and setting the stage for further regional integration and economic development.