Latra seeks additional buses on city routes

Dar es Salaam. The Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Latra) has called on daladala owners to apply for passenger transport licences in a move aimed at increasing the number of public buses and introducing a new route in Dar es Salaam.

In a public statement issued yesterday, Latra’s Head of Public Relations and Communication Unit, Mr Salum Pazzy, said four existing routes require more vehicles, while one new route is set to be introduced.

The routes in need of additional vehicles include Mwenge to Madale via Makongo Juu; Mbezi Luis to Mwenge via Goba (Makongo Juu No. 3); Mbezi Luis to Mwenge via Goba (Makongo Juu No. 4); and Makumbusho to Makongo via Sam Nujoma.

According to Mr Pazzy, these routes require a total of 70 buses, each with a minimum seating capacity of 25 passengers.

The new route to be introduced will run from Mwenge to Tegeta Nyuki via Makongo Juu, Goba and Madale. This route will need 30 buses, also with a minimum capacity of 25 passengers.

Mr Pazzy emphasised that only vehicles with registration numbers starting with DAA will be considered for licensing, and that all drivers must be officially registered and approved by Latra to operate legally.

He said the requirements aim to ensure orderly and professional services on city routes as Dar es Salaam continues to grow and expand its transport infrastructure.

The secretary of the Dar es Salaam Commuter Bus Owners Association (Darcoboa), Mr Shifwaya Lema, said the move presents a valuable opportunity for daladala owners.