New BRT operator puts over 1,000 jobs up for grabs

Speaking to The Citizen at the weekend, Mofat chief operations officer Mabrouk Masasi confirmed that the company has already advertised 423 job openings in preparation for the commencement of services on September 1.

“We have already started recruiting. Out of the 423 vacancies, 255 are for bus drivers, 158 for station assistants and the rest for mechanics and support staff,” he said.

Mr Masasi noted that this is only the first phase of recruitment, with the company expected to employ approximately 1,100 workers in total once full operations begin. Additional positions will be advertised as more buses arrive.

He said the first batch of the 255 buses ordered is expected in August, with the entire fleet scheduled to arrive by the end of September.

“Our operations will begin on September 1, as soon as the buses start arriving.”

Preparations are underway to install electronic ticketing gates, train drivers and complete system integrations ahead of the official launch. All buses will be stationed at the Mbagala terminal once delivered.

Drawing from lessons learned during Phase One, Mr Masasi emphasised the importance of automation.

“We are moving away from manual systems. Electronic systems will handle fare collection and help manage bus operations more efficiently,” he said.

To ensure a smooth rollout, Mofat has engaged BRT experts with more than 20 years of experience in the field. “We are not operating based solely on our own understanding. We have brought in professionals to oversee the entire project,” he added.

Mofat has been awarded the tender to operate the trunk routes, covering Mbagala to Gerezani and Kivukoni to Morocco. Other companies have been assigned to operate feeder routes and are responsible for acquiring an additional 500 buses.

“With 255 buses operating in three shifts, we expect to employ over 750 drivers alone. The total staff count will be around 1,100,” Mr Masasi said.

He added that drivers would work standard eight-hour shifts, in line with established labour laws and operational regulations.

While Mr Masasi declined to comment on the other companies involved, he confirmed that two firms have been tasked with feeder route operations.

“They will bring passengers from various neighbourhoods to connect with our trunk routes.”

The BRT Phase Two project features 20.3 kilometres of dedicated bus lanes, five terminals, 29 stations, and infrastructure for non-motorised transport. Once fully operational, more than 700 buses are expected to serve between 600,000 and 800,000 commuters daily.

Dart earlier this month announced the awarding of the 12-year contract to Mofat Company Limited to operate Phase II, which covers the Gerezani–Mbagala corridor. The company is expected to introduce 255 natural gas-powered buses by August this year.

The move marks a shift from public to private sector-led operations for the BRT system, in a bid to improve efficiency and address widespread commuter dissatisfaction.

Dart chief executive Athuman Kihamia told The Citizen earlier this month that Mofat had secured the capital and operational guarantees required.

“This is a significant milestone in our efforts to deliver a reliable and efficient transport system for Dar es Salaam. The operator has committed to deploy the buses within the agreed timeframe,” he said.

Under the new arrangement, Phases I (Kimara–Kivukoni) and II (Gerezani–Mbagala) will be privately operated, while Udart will shift to operating Phase III, which runs from the city centre to Gongo la Mboto. Strategic investors are expected to be invited to acquire stakes in the project.

Dr Kihamia confirmed that ENG had been awarded a 12-year contract to operate Phase I, with plans to introduce 177 diesel-powered buses.