Execution of the second phase of Dar es Salaam Bus Rapid Transit System (DART) is scheduled to start next June, thanks to the release of the 159.32 million US dollars (357bn/-) by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
AfDB Project Manager, Jumbe Katala, said in Dar es Salaam last week that the 19.3-kilometre project on the Kilwa Road corridor and part of Kawawa road is expected to reduce congestion during peak hours, with travel time for public transport users reduced to between 15 and 20 minutes, from the current 60 to 90 minutes.
Phase II is part of the six-phase DART system Master Plan for Dar es Salaam city that has been developed by the government of Tanzania and is in line with the AfDB’s Urban Development Strategy (UDS) of 2011. The project’s components include procurement of buses and installation of fare collection system under the private sector funding.
Over 100 articulated trunk buses with 140-passenger capacity each will provide both normal (stopping at all stations) and express (stopping only at connector stations) services. Additionally, a system of 111 feeder buses with capacity of 60 passengers will transport passengers to the trunk system through feeder stations.
On climate change matters, the project is expected to reduce pollution levels by about 60 per cent in the Phase 2 corridors and consequently improve air quality. The project is expected to carry up to 400,000 passengers daily using the main trunk line and feeder systems, contributing towards increased productivity and creating an enabling environment for the private sector investment along the Bus Rapid Transit, BRT-corridor. The project, the first of its kind in the Eastern Africa region, will revolutionise urban mobility and accessibility in Dar es Salaam.
It will provide enhanced transport facilities that are reliable, safe, efficient and cost-effective, supporting socio-economic development for the country. The productivity gains to be realised from more efficient travel will enhance Dar es Salaam’s competitiveness as a business hub and a gateway for its landlocked neighbouring countries and contribute to regional integration.
The project is as well in line with Tanzania’s Five Year Development Plan (FYDP, 2016-2021), which has identified infrastructure as a key catalyst for economic transformation through industrialisation and human development.
The Project is also strongly aligned with the AfDB’s areas of focus, popularly known as the Hi-5 for transforming Africa, specifically those on ‘Integrate Africa’, ‘Industrialise Africa’ and “Improve the quality of life for the people of Africa.” The project will also benefit the environment by encouraging the public to leave their cars at home.
The system will use energy efficient buses to reduce greenhouse emissions.
“The bank’s involvement in this project is key to decongesting the major road corridor and aims at resolving infrastructure challenges and mobility bottlenecks, particularly in urban transport sub-sector in Tanzania,” Said Mr Gabriel Negatu, AfDB East Africa Regional Hub Director General.
It is projected that by 2030, Dar es Salaam population will have grown to 7.8 million inhabitants, with 10 million trips per day.
The emissions by DART trunk buses carrying 140 passengers are estimated at 2,l00g/km, since they will be compliant to EURO I11 and/or above emission standards, while emissions of the feeder buses carrying 60 passengers are 1,250g/km.
Daily News
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