Residents of Dar es Salaam are calling on the government to urgently restore the fast bus service, Mwendokasi, which was disrupted following the violent incidents during the October 29, 2025 general elections.
Commuters say the suspension of the service has caused significant hardship, forcing them to use multiple vehicles for trips that previously required only one Mwendokasi bus. The disruption has also driven up transport costs due to increased demand.
“There is no direct transport anymore. We have to combine buses with motorcycles, and fares have gone up. On top of that, we spend a long time waiting at the stations,” said Khalid Mbwana, a resident of Kimara.
Those traveling along busy routes, including Morogoro, Kimara, and Mbezi, report longer commuting times due to severe traffic congestion, unlike the dedicated lanes Mwendokasi previously used.
The post-election unrest not only destroyed private property and public infrastructure but also targeted Mwendokasi buses and terminals.
The government halted the service to carry out assessments and repairs, leaving residents struggling with limited transport options.