The Government has pledged stronger oversight of the Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit (DART) Agency as it seeks to ensure that the expansion of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network translates into more reliable and efficient public transport for city residents.
Prime Minister’s Office–Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG) Minister Prof. Riziki Shemdoe made the commitment on August 7, 2026, shortly after President Samia Suluhu Hassan officially inaugurated the second phase of the BRT project.
The second phase covers key corridors along Kilwa, Chang’ombe, Sokoine and Kawawa roads, expanding the city's dedicated rapid transit network and increasing its potential to serve commuters travelling to and from the central business district.
Prof. Shemdoe said PO-RALG would exercise its oversight mandate over DART with professionalism and commitment, arguing that effective supervision would be essential to achieving the Government's public transport objectives.
“Your Excellency, the responsibility you have entrusted to us to oversee DART will be carried out with commitment, professionalism and patriotism to ensure the successful implementation of government policies and plans to improve public transport,” Prof. Shemdoe said.
The minister also credited the African Development Bank (AfDB), TANROADS, contractors, consultants and service providers for their contribution to the completion of the BRT II project.
The expansion comes as Dar es Salaam continues to grapple with rapid population growth, rising vehicle numbers and persistent congestion, particularly along major routes connecting densely populated suburbs with the city centre.
Prof. Shemdoe said the impact of the BRT system was already evident on the Mbagala–Posta corridor, where 60 modern buses had been introduced.
According to him, the service has reduced the number of conventional commuter buses operating on the route by 400, from 1,627 to 1,227.
The shift is intended to improve the movement of large numbers of passengers while reducing pressure on roads caused by a high concentration of smaller commuter vehicles.
The minister further linked the expansion of mass transit with environmental benefits, noting that more efficient public transport can help reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions associated with road transport.
However, the expansion of the BRT network also places greater responsibility on DART and its supervising authorities to ensure that infrastructure is matched by reliable operations, adequate capacity and services that respond to commuters' needs.
For passengers, the success of BRT II will ultimately be measured not only by the completion of new infrastructure, but by shorter and more predictable journeys, efficient connections and dependable services.
The Government's strengthened oversight of DART will therefore be closely watched as the expanded system becomes part of Dar es Salaam's long-term strategy to tackle congestion and improve urban mobility.