Majaliwa pushes for completion of BRT-2 ahead of launch

Dar es Salaam. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has inspected new buses and infrastructure for the second phase of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT-2) project, with operations scheduled to begin on September 1, 2025.

The tour covered the main terminal at Mbagala Rangi Tatu, Gerezani station, and a dedicated gas refuelling facility.

During the visit conducted on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Mr Majaliwa directed contractors to work around the clock to complete the remaining sections so the service could start this month.

His visit followed the August 5 arrival at Dar es Salaam Port of 99 new BRT buses, part of a long-awaited fleet to improve public transport efficiency in the city.

The Dar Rapid Transit Agency (Dart) confirmed the delivery two days later, saying the buses would serve the 20.3-kilometre Gerezani–Mbagala corridor.

China’s Sinohydro Construction Limited constructed the section for $159.32 million (Sh285.1 billion).

During the inspection, Mr Majaliwa was joined by Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament and Coordination) William Lukuvi, Deputy Minister in the President’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government) Zainab Katimba, and officials from the Land Transport Regulatory Authority, Dart, and the National Institute of Transport.

Dart has awarded a 12-year contract to locally owned Mofat Company Limited to operate Phase II, which will introduce 255 gas-powered buses by August 2025.

The move is part of a government plan to hand over BRT operations to the private sector to improve efficiency and address commuter complaints.

Dart chief executive Dr Athuman Kihamia said Mofat had secured the required capital and operational guarantees.

“This is a major milestone in delivering reliable and efficient services to Dar es Salaam residents,” he said, noting that the buses would be deployed within the agreed timeframe.

Treasury Registrar Nehemiah Mchechu said on Monday that Dart was seeking more investors, especially now that Phases I and II are complete and Phase III—linking the city centre to Gongo la Mboto is set to be completed by year-end.

Under the new framework, four to six operators will run BRT services, replacing the current single-provider model led by UDA Rapid Transit (Udart).

Phase I (Kimara–Kivukoni) and Phase II (Gerezani–Mbagala) will be run by private firms, while Udart will move to Phase III. Strategic investors will be invited to acquire shares in the project.

Dr Kihamia confirmed that Emirates National Group (ENG) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been awarded a 12-year contract for Phase I and will provide 177 diesel-powered buses.

In total, the BRT system will add 255 buses for Phase II and 177 for Phase I, with further deliveries planned: 200 buses in September, another 200 in November, and 100 later in the year.

Each operational phase, including buses and infrastructure, is valued at about Sh750 billion.

The local Phase II operator will require over Sh250 billion in capital, while the Phase I operator must invest more than Sh150 billion in buses.

Dr Kihamia said the two phases would create about 2,100 direct jobs, with priority given to training and certifying daladala drivers from affected routes to operate BRT buses.

While acknowledging delays, he urged the public to remain optimistic. “Under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership, the chaotic and time-consuming commuting experience will soon be a thing of the past,” he said.

The BRT expansion is a central part of the government’s drive to modernise Dar es Salaam’s urban transport, offering faster, safer, and more environmentally friendly services.

Buses in Phase I will run on diesel, while those in Phase II will be powered by natural gas.

Dr Kihamia said he and other officials travelled to China to inspect the bus manufacturing process.

“This is no longer about intentions. We are in the implementation phase, backed by signed contracts and credible financial guarantees,” he noted.