The Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) has issued a strong warning to public transport operators across the country, cautioning them against implementing new transport fares before the official enforcement date of May 1, 2026.
The authority said any operator charging revised fares before the legally set date is violating regulations and will face strict legal action, as complaints continue to emerge from residents in Dar es Salaam and other urban areas.
Reports from commuters indicate that some daladala, bajaji, and bodaboda operators have already begun charging increased fares following the government announcement, causing confusion among passengers who are still expecting the old rates to apply until the official start date.
Speaking on April 22, 2026, LATRA Head of Communication and Public Relations, Salum Pazzy, said the implementation process is guided by law, which requires a 14-day notice period after publication in the Government Gazette.
He said the new fares will only become valid after the completion of this period, meaning enforcement will begin on May 1, 2026.
“According to the law, new fares are effective only after 14 days from the official government notice. That period has not yet ended, and implementation will begin on May 1,” said Pazzy.
He warned that any operator charging the new fares before the official date is acting unlawfully and will be dealt with according to the law.
“It has been clearly stated that the new fares will take effect on May 1 after the completion of the required 14 days from the Government Gazette notice. Anyone charging the new rates now is committing an offence,” he added.
LATRA explained that the fare revision process is carried out under Section 19 of the Land Transport Regulatory Authority Act, Cap. 413, which gives the authority power to regulate and adjust transport charges in the interest of both service providers and the public.
The government notice issued on April 17, 2026, introduced new fare structures for long-distance buses, urban daladala services, taxi apps, and motorcycle transport services.
Under the revised rates, daladala fares for trips of up to 10 kilometres have increased from TZS 600 to TZS 700, while routes between 36 and 40 kilometres now cost TZS 1,500, up from TZS 1,400. Student fares remain unchanged at TZS 200 regardless of distance.
Despite the clear implementation timeline, LATRA has acknowledged reports that some operators have already started charging the new fares, a situation that has sparked concern among passengers.
Residents say the situation has caused confusion and financial pressure, as some conductors are applying inconsistent pricing depending on routes and operators.
A Sinza resident, Irene Daniel, said she was charged TZS 700 for a short route from Sinza Madukani to Mabibo Mwisho instead of the previous TZS 600, even before the official implementation date.
“We were told the new fares would start after 14 days, but some operators are already charging the increased amounts. We are confused about what is correct,” she said.
Another commuter, Godwin Omega from Msumi in Ubungo District, said he is now paying up to TZS 1,000 for a route that previously cost TZS 700, adding that enforcement appears weak despite public complaints.
“In our area, fares were increased even before the official date. We are now paying more than expected, and no action is being taken,” he said.
LATRA has assured the public that enforcement measures will be strengthened once the official implementation date arrives, and operators who violate the regulations will face penalties.
The authority has also urged passengers to report any cases of overcharging to help ensure fairness and compliance in the transport sector.
As the country awaits May 1, LATRA has called for calm and adherence to the law, stressing that the fare adjustment process is designed to balance operational costs for transport providers while protecting commuters from unfair practices.
