Prime
Tazara to join centralised e-ticketing drive to curb revenue losses
What you need to know:
- The move aligns with government directive to ensure transparency and efficiency in transport operations through digital integration.
Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara) is expected to adopt a unified online ticketing system linked to the government platform, as part of wider efforts to curb revenue leakages in the transport sector.
The move aligns with government directive to ensure transparency and efficiency in transport operations through digital integration.
Speaking at the 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF) over the weekend, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Prof Godius Kahyarara, said the integration of e-ticketing systems was a critical step in revenue monitoring.
“This system is crucial. It allows the government to monitor in real time how many buses or trains are operating, and how many tickets are being issued,” Prof Kahyarara said.
He added that the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) and some private bus operators have already joined the platform, with Tazara scheduled to join soon.
“I visited the Latra [Land Transport Regulatory Authority] pavilion here at the DITF and saw how the unified ticketing system is working. It has generated a lot of interest. I commend the authority for the progress made towards integrating SGR, MGR, buses, and now Tazara into one ticketing system,” he said.
Prof Kahyarara also warned operators yet to integrate their systems to comply with the law.
“This is not optional. It is a legal requirement. The government will take steps to ensure all licensed operators join the system,” he said.
The platform aims to eliminate the use of unregulated agents or touts, who often cause revenue loss and service inconsistencies.
“Through this system, costs are lowered, transparency is improved, and service delivery is more reliable. Passengers, operators, and government authorities all stand to benefit,” Prof Kahyarara noted.
The Latra Director General, Mr Habibu Suluo, said only service providers recognised by the authority will be allowed to operate. He cautioned operators against using unapproved e-ticketing vendors, saying they would face penalties following the conclusion of the inspection grace period.
“Operators must use only approved online service providers to avoid disruptions. This is about enforcing the law and ensuring passenger safety and convenience,” Mr Suluo said.
As of July 2, Latra had authorised only three companies to operate within the centralised system: Ottap Agency Company Limited, Hashtech Tanzania Limited, and Iyishe Company Limited. A 14-day ultimatum has been issued to six other companies to complete their integration with the government’s ticketing platform or risk losing their licences.
