Uncertainty engulfs BRT, as search for operator on

What you need to know:

  • BRT reveals that Udart was neither given an exclusive nor permanent contract to offer transport services, but rather an interim deal to test the system and its infrastructure

Dar es Salaam. The Dar es Salaam Rapid Bus Transit (BRT) services provider, Udart, is operating without a binding contract, after the interim period it was given to exclusively offer services came to an end.

A reliable source has revealed to The Citizen that Udart interim contract was only meant for trial services and testing for the standards of BRT infrastructure.

The BRT transport system is currently facing a crisis, with some passengers spending hours at the terminals due to a shortage of buses by the operator.

“Dart has continued to allow Udart to enjoy the exclusive offer, after failing to secure another service provider as those who previously applied for the tender did not qualify,” a source said. “We have failed to stop Udart from offering services because we are yet to secure a suitable operator.”

Udart managing director Charles Newe said that basically the the contract was over, but talks were going on to enable the renewal of the current deal or replace them with a new one.

“Our contract with the government basically exists automatically and what we are waiting for is a replacement and that is why you’re still seeing us operating,” he told The Citizen yesterday in a telephone interview.

“This can happen to anyone even where you (The Citizen Reporter) are working. If your contract expires, you will continue working for your employer, waiting for its renewal, if it is renewable,” he said.

However, he did not say whether the interim contract had a provision which allowed automatic renewal, but he expressed hope for a deal.

In September, Dart chief executive Ronald Lwakatare informed The Citizen the firm was planning to contract another service provider to compete with Udart by January next year.

Dar es Salaam regional commissioner (RC) Paul Makonda recently promised to resolve the Udart problems within three days when he visited Kimara terminal to assess the situation, following transport challenges.