Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – Dar es Salaam’s public transport system is on the verge of a significant upgrade, following the arrival of 99 brand-new compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered rapid buses at the city’s port. These eco-friendly buses are expected to start operations within the next two weeks, marking a bold step in the city’s journey toward sustainable urban mobility.
This development is part of a broader investment led by local firm Mofat Company Limited, which plans to deploy a total of 255 articulated buses valued at approximately TSh 200 billion under the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Phase II project. The initiative is expected to ease congestion and improve commuter services across key routes in Tanzania’s commercial capital.
The 18-metre-long CNG buses will operate along a 20.3-kilometre corridor stretching from Mbagala to Gerezani via Kilwa Road, with extensions to Magomeni and Chang’ombe. This aligns with the government’s climate action efforts to cut down emissions from the transport sector.
According to Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit Agency (DART) Executive Director, Dr Athuman Kihamia, the buses arrived on Tuesday night and are undergoing final clearance procedures before hitting the roads by August 30, 2025.
“For the first time in the history of our country, articulated buses will be powered by natural gas,” he told the Daily News.
In addition, 52 more buses from Mofat are currently en route from China and expected to arrive before the end of the month.
Dual Investment Strategy
This ambitious transformation is backed by two major contracts between DART and operators Mofat Company Limited and Emirates National Group (ENG), a company based in Abu Dhabi. ENG will invest over TSh 150 billionto deploy 177 new buses for the BRT Phase I route, covering Kimara to Kivukoni via Morogoro Road, and routes via Magomeni Mapipa, Morocco, Msimbazi, and Gerezani along Kawawa Road.
The arrival of ENG's fleet is expected in October 2025, promising further improvements in commuter services.
The total investment by both companies is projected to generate around 2,100 new jobs, including 100 bus driving positions—reserved strictly for Tanzanian nationals.
Expert Views: Economic and Urban Impact
Dr Isaac Safari, Economist at Saint Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), hailed the initiative as a game-changer for public transportation in Dar es Salaam.
“These investments will drastically reduce waiting times at bus stops, improving mobility across the city,” he said.
He noted that the private sector’s focus on both profit and service quality could greatly enhance BRT performance—provided there is a balance to avoid fare hikes or service neglect.
Dr Safari also urged the government to consider long-term alternatives such as underground metro systems and railways, to accommodate the city’s growing population and prevent future congestion.
Urban development analyst Dr Dotto Bulendu also praised the PPP model adopted in the BRT project.
“Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are essential for improving public transport systems. Advanced countries cap waiting time at just five minutes—something we should also strive for through adequate infrastructure and investments,” he remarked.
Conclusion
With over 400 new buses set to hit Dar es Salaam roads by the end of 2025, the city is clearly positioning itself for a new era in urban mobility. The combined investments of Mofat and ENG not only reflect confidence in Tanzania’s transport infrastructure but also align with global trends toward greener, faster, and more reliable public transport systems.
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Source: Daily News
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