After a week of heavy passenger traffic and brisk business, the Magufuli Bus Terminal has fallen unusually quiet, leaving traders and bus operators concerned about falling incomes.
From November 30 to December 7, the terminal recorded a surge in passengers traveling upcountry, driven by school closures, holiday preparations and concerns over possible demonstrations expected this week.
The large crowds created a business boom for food vendors, small traders and bus owners who described the period as exceptionally profitable.
However, by Sunday evening and throughout Monday, the situation changed sharply. Passenger numbers dwindled, several buses suspended trips and some operators parked their vehicles at Shekilango, creating a sudden slowdown in activity.
Many small traders said the drop in passengers has directly affected their daily incomes.
Vedastus Tarimo, who sells snacks at the terminal, said the expectation was that transport services would run normally through the week.
“But many bus owners have suspended operations. Without passengers, we simply have no customers,” he said.
Felister Mgimba, a juice and maandazi vendor, said it has become difficult to earn even Sh2,000 during the day, far below what she needs to meet her evening target of TZS10,000.
“We are worried about what might happen tomorrow. We are just praying for peace so that business can return to normal,” she said.
Porters, too, have been hit hard. Ismail Mgunda said he had not received a single job by midday. “I have a family depending on me. Going home empty-handed is painful. We need stability for things to return to normal,” he said.
Other traders, like Richard Ndomba who sells radios and headphones, are considering suspending operations temporarily until passenger numbers rebound.
Magufuli Terminal Manager, Isaac Kasebo, dismissed speculation that the decline signals a major disruption or any intention to close the terminal.
He said the fluctuations are normal for this time of year and reflect the typical travel patterns associated with the festive season.
“It is common to see numbers rise or fall in December. From December 1 to 7, passenger traffic increased significantly because schools had closed,” he said.
He added that more travelers are expected from mid-December as holiday preparations peak. “We expect the situation to return to normal from December 15 onwards,” he said.
Kasebo also urged passengers to purchase tickets through official bus offices or online platforms to avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
For now, traders at Magufuli Terminal say they remain hopeful that business will recover in the coming days, but they stress the need for authorities to ensure safety and clear communication.
With less than three weeks before Christmas, many are counting on the expected rise in holiday travel to bring back the crowds and the livelihoods they depend on.