By The Respondents Reporter
At least 30 Dar Rapid Transit (UDART) buses are set to return to service following government-funded rehabilitation, a move expected to ease public transport challenges in Dar es Salaam and expand Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) services to Mloganzila Hospital.
The Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), Prof Riziki Shemdoe, said the rehabilitation was financed through TZS1.2 billion provided by the Sixth Phase Government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan to procure critical spare parts, including engines, for buses that had been grounded due to technical faults.
Prof Shemdoe made the remarks on Tuesday during an inspection tour of the UDART workshop in Ubungo, where he reviewed the progress of repair works on the BRT fleet.
He said that of the 30 buses earmarked for restoration, 17 have already been fully repaired and are ready to resume operations, while work on the remaining units is continuing.
“The government deemed it necessary to return these buses to the road. That is why funds were allocated for the purchase of spare parts and engines. Of the 30 buses targeted, 17 are already complete and ready to serve the public,” said Prof Shemdoe.
In a move aimed at improving access to health services, the minister directed UDART Managing Director Pius Ngindo to ensure that BRT buses begin operating to Mloganzila Hospital from Wednesday, January 7, to reduce transport difficulties faced by patients and their relatives.
“There are many citizens who experience challenges reaching Mloganzila. It is important to expand services and ensure buses reach the hospital to ease travel for patients and their families,” he said.
On broader efforts to improve public transport in the commercial capital, Prof Shemdoe said the government has also allocated Sh20 billion for the purchase of 99 new BRT buses.
He noted that 49 of the buses have already arrived at the port, with registration and clearance processes underway ahead of their deployment.
“These new buses will soon start operating and will significantly ease the transport burden for residents of Dar es Salaam,” he said.
Prof Shemdoe reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening public transport infrastructure, saying sustained investment in reliable, safe and affordable transport remains a priority to improve mobility and the quality of life for city residents.