Local company Mofat has secured a 12-year contract from the Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit Agency (DART) to operate the second phase of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, running from Gerezani to Mbagala.
Mofat is scheduled to deploy 255 gas-powered buses starting in August 2025.
DART’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Athuman Kihamia, confirmed the contract in a recent phone interview from abroad.
He explained that this milestone aligns with the government’s move to officially transfer the operation of the first and second phases of the BRT system to the private sector.
The transition aims to enhance operational efficiency and address the longstanding transportation challenges faced by Dar es Salaam residents.
“This is a local company that has already secured the necessary capital and guarantees to successfully manage this service,” Dr. Kihamia said.
“This marks a significant step forward in our commitment to delivering reliable and high-quality transportation services to the people of Dar es Salaam. The company has pledged to introduce the buses within the agreed timeframe.”
The push to engage more local operators was further emphasized on Monday by the Registrar of the Treasury, Nehemiah Mchechu.
Speaking to editors in Dar es Salaam, he noted that DART is now focusing on attracting more investors, especially given that construction of the first and second BRT phases is complete, with the third phase expected to be finished by the end of this year.
Under the new model, the BRT system will be operated by between four and six companies, replacing the current arrangement where a single service provider, UDA Rapid Transit (Udart), oversees operations.
