Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating quality of services provided by the Dar Rapid Transit (DART) system, stating that the government of President Samia Suluhu Hassan has heard the public outcry and is taking immediate steps to resolve the matter.
Speaking during an inspection tour at the Kimara terminal in Ubungo District yesterday, Mr. Chalamila said the situation facing commuters using the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system was unacceptable.
He cited a critical shortage of buses as the root cause of overcrowding, long queues, and delays that have left thousands of Dar es Salaam residents frustrated.
"This service no longer reflects the intentions of President Samia to offer efficient and dignified transport for the people of this city. The government is listening—and a permanent solution is on the way," he said.
The Regional Commissioner directed the operator, UDART, to urgently improve its operations to restore public trust in the system.
He emphasized that transport infrastructure and services must match the growing population and evolving needs of Tanzania’s commercial capital.
Mr. Chalamila also inspected the ongoing expansion of the Ubungo–Kimara corridor, a project overseen by the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS), and urged authorities to ensure that the contractor meets the agreed completion timeline. He further recommended the installation of sanitation facilities, including public toilets, at major BRT stations such as Kimara.
In response, Daniel Madilu, the head of scheduling and operations at UDART, acknowledged the challenges and said that the company had already placed an order for 100 new buses from China, expected to arrive in the country by September this year.
Meanwhile, Mr. Chalamila visited the DART Agency offices at Ubungo Maji to receive updates on wider government plans aimed at improving the city’s rapid transit system.
He announced that new private operators have been secured to strengthen service delivery: Trans Dar will manage operations on the Kimara corridor, while Mophat has been contracted to run the upcoming Mbagala route. Both firms are expected to deploy new fleets soon.
DART’s Chief Executive, Dr. Othman Kiamia, assured the public that his agency is committed to resolving the existing shortcomings.
"We are working closely with partners to ensure enough buses are brought in and that services meet the expectations of our people," he said.
The move is part of a broader strategy by President Samia’s administration to modernize urban mobility, improve the daily lives of commuters, and enhance the overall image of public transport in Dar es Salaam.
The BRT system, once hailed as a model for sustainable mass transit in East Africa, has in recent years struggled to keep pace with demand forcing city authorities to step in and restore efficiency and confidence in the system.