The Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) has announced a new fare structure for public and commercial transport services, according to the latest edition of the Tanzania Government Gazette, signalling adjustments aimed at aligning pricing with operational costs and market conditions.
The revised fares, which cover long-distance buses, urban commuter services and ride-hailing platforms, will take effect 14 days after the official notice issued on April 17, 2026.
Under the new structure, ordinary long-distance buses will charge 57.93 Tanzanian shillings per kilometre on paved roads and 66.62 shillings on unpaved roads, while semi-luxury buses will charge 74.18 shillings per kilometre on paved routes.
The adjustments reflect cost variations linked to road conditions and service categories.
Urban commuter fares for daladala services have been standardised, with passengers travelling up to 10 kilometres paying 700 shillings.
Fares rise progressively based on distance, reaching 1,500 shillings for journeys between 36 and 40 kilometres.
Student fares remain unchanged at a flat rate of 200 shillings across all urban routes, maintaining a long-standing subsidy aimed at supporting access to education.
LATRA has also set regulated minimum fares for digital ride-hailing services, reflecting the growing role of app-based transport in urban mobility, particularly in cities such as Dar es Salaam.
For trips under one kilometre, four-passenger taxis will charge between 4,000 and 5,000 shillings, motorcycles between 1,500 and 2,000 shillings, and three-wheeled vehicles between 3,000 and 4,000 shillings.
The regulator said it will closely monitor service providers to ensure compliance with the new pricing framework, warning against unauthorised charges and emphasising the need for fare transparency for passengers.
The fare review comes amid continued pressure on transport operators from rising fuel prices, maintenance costs and currency fluctuations, factors that have periodically triggered calls for tariff adjustments in Tanzania’s transport sector.
Analysts say the changes could have mixed effects, easing financial strain on operators while increasing commuting costs for some passengers, particularly in urban areas where reliance on public transport remains high.
However, the retention of subsidised student fares and the introduction of regulated minimums for ride-hailing services suggest an attempt to balance affordability with sustainability in the sector.
LATRA’s move underscores the government’s broader regulatory approach to managing transport services, as demand continues to grow alongside urbanisation and the expansion of digital mobility platforms.
The authority reiterated that enforcement will be critical to the success of the new fares, with ongoing inspections expected to ensure operators adhere to the approved rates.
