Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) services along the Gerezani–Kimara and Gerezani–Mbagala routes have been temporarily suspended to allow authorities to assess damage caused during the post-election unrest on October 29, Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila announced yesterday.
The suspension affects two of the busiest commuter corridors in the city. The Regional Commissioner said the decision was necessary to enable engineers and technical teams to inspect and repair critical infrastructure, including ticketing systems, passenger platforms and stations that were vandalised during the disturbances.
“Services are suspended to allow a thorough assessment of the damage. Ticketing systems were destroyed, and some stations were burned. Restoring operations requires careful evaluation and repair,” Chalamila said in a statement to the press.
During the unrest, stations along Morogoro Road suffered the highest level of destruction, with several platforms, access barriers and electronic payment systems severely damaged.
Chalamila urged commuters who rely on the BRT system to make temporary alternative transport arrangements while authorities work to restore the affected infrastructure.
In order to minimise disruption, the RC directed the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) to issue temporary permits to regular commuter buses to operate on the affected routes. However, these buses will not be permitted to use BRT-designated lanes.
“The temporary permits are meant to ensure that mobility in the city is not paralyzed,” he said. “LATRA will coordinate the deployment of these buses, but the integrity of the bus rapid lanes must be preserved.”
The Regional Commissioner said the government remains committed to restoring full services as soon as repairs are completed, noting that the BRT system plays a crucial role in easing congestion and supporting daily economic activities in Dar es Salaam.
Engineers are expected to issue a detailed report on the extent of the damage and projected repair timelines in the coming days.