The Dart system once hailed as a symbol of progress in public transportation, now stands at a critical juncture. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
The Tanzanian government has
embarked on a significant initiative to enhance Dar es Salaam's rapid transit
system, addressing recent complaints about overcrowding and inadequate
services.
On July 15, 2024, in a meeting
with media editors and the Registrar of the Treasury, Nehemia Mchechu, it was
revealed that Udart, now 85% government-owned, is in discussions with NMB Bank
to secure a loan for purchasing 100 rapid transit buses. The acquisition
process, from order placement to the arrival of the buses, is expected to take
up to six months.
Mchechu explained, “Udart is now
85% government-owned. Initially, it was operated by the private sector with
minimal government involvement, which led to a significant debt burden. Over
the past two months, I have been holding meetings with Dart, the company
overseeing infrastructure, and Udart, which manages operations and buses.”
He emphasized the need for
multiple service providers to avoid disruptions, stating, “At this stage, we
need more than five or six service providers, not just one company. If the sole
operator strikes or encounters issues, the entire city comes to a standstill.
Having multiple operators also makes it easier to identify who is providing
quality service.”
In March 2024, the Minister of
State in the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government,
Mohammed Mchengerwa, mandated the Dar Rapid Transit Agency (Dart) to secure a
private investor by October 2024 to enhance service efficiency. Responding to
this directive, Dar es Salaam's Rapid Transit system is set for a
transformation, driven by a new investor and a fleet expansion initiative.
The Emirates National Group,
from the United Arab Emirates, emerged as the winning bidder through a
meticulous selection process under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
framework. This partnership marks a pivotal moment in Dar es Salaam's transit
landscape. The Emirates National Group will introduce 177 state-of-the-art
buses, augmenting the existing fleet operational since 2016. This infusion aims
to alleviate system strain, reducing prolonged wait times at stations due to
increased demand.
Fanuel Karugendo, Dart's
Director of Transportation Development, emphasized the transparent selection
process and outlined the timeline for the new buses. He committed to
efficiency, stating that the company has six months to deliver the buses,
offering flexibility in implementation.
A significant leap forward in
Dar es Salaam's transit infrastructure is the implementation of electronic fare
payment systems. Following successful trials at the Morocco station, passengers
can anticipate a seamless transition from traditional ticketing methods to
card-based transactions, promising a more convenient and modernized experience.
Residents of Dar es Salaam have
greeted these impending changes with optimism, envisioning improved services
and smoother commuting experiences. The introduction of the Emirates National
Group into the city's transit landscape signals a turning point, with hopes
pinned on the company's expertise to address longstanding challenges.
However, past shortcomings in
infrastructure investment and operational efficiency remain concerns. The city
has grappled with overcrowding and a shortage of buses, as highlighted in a
recent Controller and Auditor General (CAG) report. Urgent recommendations have
been put forth to expand the fleet to meet the burgeoning demand effectively.
As Dar es Salaam braces for this
transformative phase, the experiences of Emirates National Group in operating
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems worldwide offer invaluable insights. With a
proven track record of successful implementations, the company brings a wealth
of expertise to elevate Dar es Salaam's transit network to new heights of
efficiency and reliability.
Amid Dar es Salaam's exponential
population growth, the importance of a reliable and efficient transport system
cannot be overstated. The Dart system once hailed as a symbol of progress in
public transportation, now stands at a critical juncture.
As the city grapples with the
daily challenges of a burgeoning population, the success of the Dart system is
paramount for ensuring smooth mobility, reducing commute times, and addressing
residents' safety concerns.
However, the challenges facing
the Dart system extend beyond operational issues. Terminals like Mbagala
initially envisioned as key transport hubs, have unfortunately transformed into
hotspots for illicit activities. These terminals, set up to serve the public
efficiently, are rendered ineffective due to the lack of buses operating in
these areas.
Frequent leadership changes in
Tanzania's transit sector raise concerns about their effectiveness. The recent
appointment of Dr. Athuman Kihamia as CEO highlights this issue. On March 12,
2024, President Samia Suluhu Hassan appointed Waziri Kindamba as the new
Executive Director of the Urban Bus Rapid Transit Company (UDART).
Kindamba, who previously served as Regional
Commissioner of Tanga and Njombe, steps into this role just two months after
Kihamia took charge of the Dar Rapid Transit Agency (DART). The success of the
transit system will depend not only on strong leadership but also on
well-defined and effectively executed government strategies.
In light of pressing issues, a
transformative suggestion emerges – the full privatization of the BRT system.
Handing over operational control to experienced business tycoons, free from
political entanglements, could inject the efficiency needed to address current
shortcomings.
This move ushers in a
profit-driven approach, aligning success with market demands and customer
satisfaction while minimizing bureaucratic obstacles.
The Dart system in Dar es Salaam
is not merely a transit service; it stands as a crucial force shaping the
city's destiny. With the population booming, a robust public transportation
network emerges as the lifeblood of urban progress.
Overcoming current hurdles
requires more than leadership shifts; it demands a bold strategic overhaul,
potentially through privatization. This transformation is essential to ensure
the Dart system lives up to its commitment as a catalyst for the city's growth,
becoming a truly transformative power propelling Dar es Salaam into a brighter,
more efficient future.
As the city evolves, the Dart
system becomes more than just buses on the move – it becomes the thread weaving
the fabric of Dar es Salaam's future. Facing the challenges head-on, embracing
innovation, and possibly privatizing operations pave the way for the Dart
system to not just be a transit solution but a truly transformative power
propelling the city forward.
The slender lanes at Keko stand
as a poignant reminder: meticulous infrastructure planning is the key. A city
in motion requires careful consideration to avert potential disruptions and
guarantee the safety and convenience of its commuters.
With the planned improvements
and strategic partnerships, Dar es Salaam is poised for a significant
transformation in its transit system, promising a more efficient, reliable, and
modernized public transportation network for its residents.