DART engages IFC to secure Bus Rapid Transit System
BRT phases 3 & 4, improving urban transport in Dar es Salaam
The Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit Agency (DART) has teamed up with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to find service providers for the third and fourth phases of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
The BRT system in Tanzania is being developed in stages, using special lanes to ensure smooth travel. The first phase, which links Kimara and Mbezi to the city centre through Morogoro Road, started in 2016. The second phase, which stretches from the city centre to Mbagala, has its infrastructure ready but is waiting for buses to arrive.
Currently, the third and fourth phases are still under construction. Phase three, which connects the city centre to Gongolamboto via Nyerere Road, is 75 percent complete and is expected to be finished by June. Phase four, running from the city centre to Bunju along Ali Hassan and Bagamoyo Roads, is 20 percent complete and should be ready by the end of the year.
DART’s CEO, Dr Athumani Kihamia, stated that the government has set aside funds to pay IFC for its role in negotiating with bus operators, fare collectors, fund managers, and providers of the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS).
"The government has already allocated funds to pay IFC for their assistance in negotiating with potential bus operators, fund managers, fare collectors, and providers of the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)," he stated.
Dr Kihamia explained that the ITS uses sensors, analytics, and communication technology to enhance the safety and efficiency of the BRT system. He also mentioned that IFC has already started looking for service providers, following the guidelines set by Tanzania’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Act and its regulations.
To ensure that service providers are ready once construction is completed, IFC began its involvement early in the process. Dr Kihamia added that IFC would take 21 months to finalize the procurement process if everything goes as planned.
"Projects like this require us to engage consultants to assist in various tasks, ensuring that we avoid entering into poor agreements that could potentially result in losses for the government," he said.
On January 20, 2025, DART brought together different experts, including legal, technical, environmental, and social consultants, to explore ways to enhance urban transportation and promote private sector participation in operating the BRT system.
“We are ready to work with IFC and all key stakeholders to ensure a robust public-private partnership (PPP) business model for the upcoming phases of the project,” he said.
The IFC delegation was led by chief investment officer and team leader based in Kenya, Mr Jacques Bleindou. He emphasized the importance of involving various stakeholders to gather useful insights into the project.
"This professional advisory process will enable us to develop an efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective service provider procurement model for public transport users in Dar es Salaam," he said.
The goal of the BRT network in Dar es Salaam is to improve urban transport for thousands of daily commuters, making travel more convenient and reliable.
