Urban mobility in Dar es Salaam is undergoing an ambitious transformation through the Dar es Salaam Bus Rapid Transit (DART) system. Here’s a comprehensive update covering why this matters and what it means for residents and the city’s future.
1. Multi-Phased Vision: Six Phases, One Goal
Since its launch in May 2016, the DART network has been rolling out in calculated stages to serve as much of the city as possible:
- Phase I (2012–2016): Laid approximately 21 km along Morogoro Road from Kimara to Kivukoni, with 29 stations and a fleet of about 210 buses. This foundational phase won the prestigious 2017 Sustainable Transport Award for slashing commute times by up to 50%, reducing street congestion by ~30%, and cutting emissions by ~20%
- Phase II (2019–2025): Extends 20.3 km from Kilwa Road to Mbagala via Kawawa. Funded mainly by AfDB (~$141 m) and costing ~$160 m total, it was 98–99% complete by mid‑2024. However, much-needed buses have delayed its launch
- Phase III (2020–mid‑2025): A new 23.6 km corridor from Gongo la Mboto to the city centre via Uhuru and Mandela, designed with 31 stations and support for 174 trunk plus 399 feeder buses
- Phases IV–VI: Still in design or early construction, these stages will cumulatively create another 80–90 km of network, adding links to Mwenge, Ubungo, Bagamoyo Road, Old Bagamoyo Road, and extending connectivity across the metropolitan area
2. Bus Fleet Build-Up: Public–Private Synergy
DART has formalized plans for acquiring over 2,300 buses via public–private partnerships:
- Approximately 305 buses for Phase I, 755 for Phase II, 675 for Phase III, and 590 for Phase IV
- The seats are expected to be filled progressively as each corridor reaches 95% construction completion, with CNG buses arriving in large batches through mid‑2025.
- An open tender process attracted interest from both local and international operators, with two Tanzanian firms among 30 bidding to manage operations
3. Development Support & Funding
DART has attracted international expertise and financing to ensure project delivery and quality:
- World Bank / IFC: Alongside due diligence and structuring advisory for Phases III and IV, boosting investor readiness and creditworthiness
- AfDB & AFD: Funding Phases II, IV, and V — including bicycle paths, sidewalks, feeder stations — with significant grants, e.g. Phase V estimated at €332 m
- TANROADS and SMEC: Serving as the infrastructure supervisor and quality assurance partner, bringing technical consistency and world‑class standards
