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All-electric buses planned for BRT Phase 4 as Dart prepares to invite bids for Phases 3
What you need to know:
- A total of 390 electric buses will ply the Phase 4 corridor upon completion, marking a significant step in the country’s ambition to adopt clean energy alternatives in public transportation
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s transition to a greener transport future is gathering pace, with the Dar Rapid Transit Agency (Dart) announcing that Phase 4 of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project will exclusively feature electric buses.
A total of 390 electric buses will ply the Phase 4 corridor upon completion, marking a significant step in the country’s ambition to adopt clean energy alternatives in public transportation, Dart Chief Executive, Dr Athumani Kihamia, said on Monday August 4.
Phase 4 runs from Kivukoni terminal in the city centre along the Ali Hassan Mwinyi and Bagamoyo Roads to Tegeta.
The 30.1 kilometres route branches off at Mwenge to Simu 2000 via Sam Nujoma Road.
The announcement comes as Dart gears up to invite tenders from prospective bus operators for Phase 3 of the BRT system.
Dr Kihamia, said on Monday August 4 that procurement of a bus operator for Phase 3—now 90 percent complete—will be finalised by the end of 2025.
Phase 4, currently at 30 percent completion, is expected to be ready by early 2026, with the operator selection process to follow suit.
Phase 3 spans 23.6 kilometres from Gongolamboto to the city centre traversing Nyerere road, with a branch off that runs through the Uhuru road.
Phase 3 will deploy 677 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, aligning with Tanzania’s dual approach of harnessing both CNG and electric technologies.
The shift towards electric buses for Phase 4 reflects our commitment to reducing emissions and promoting sustainable mobility.
He added that construction of Phase 4 should be completed within six months, barring disruptions.
The BRT’s green transformation also includes Phase 2, linking the city centre with Mbagala, which is set to operate using CNG buses.
Although initially earmarked for electrification, the phase will now utilise CNG following the shelving of an earlier plan.
Meanwhile, Dart is enhancing operations for Phases 1 and 2.
Contracts have been signed with four private operators, expected to bring the total BRT fleet to over 900 buses by October.
In Phase 2, Mofat Company Limited will provide 255 articulated buses, with 150 units scheduled to arrive at the Dar es Salaam Port by August 15.
Metro City Link Limited will supply 334 feeder buses across 13 routes, and YK City Link Limited will deliver 166 buses for six additional routes.
Under Phase 1, Trans Dar Company has been contracted to supply 177 buses, replacing the current Transitional Service Provider, UDART.
Dr Kihamia cautioned all stakeholders that Dart remains the sole custodian of BRT policy and public communication.
He warned that no operator or service provider is authorised to speak on behalf of the agency or issue public statements concerning system coordination or expansion.
“All communications must be channelled through Dart’s official platforms to maintain accurate and consistent messaging,” he said, urging media outlets to verify BRT-related information directly with the agency’s Communication and Public Relations Unit.
