Dar es Salaam’s public transport system is rising from the ashes! After a turbulent election day on October 29th, 2025, which left key infrastructure in ruins, the city’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Phase One is making a comeback. But the journey to full recovery is far from over.
The Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit Agency (Dart) has announced that BRT services will resume on November 29th, 2025, a month after the election-day chaos. However, the road to normalcy is riddled with challenges. Mr. William Gatambi, Dart’s Head of Public Relations, revealed that multiple stations were vandalized, and the electronic fare system was destroyed, causing an immediate halt to operations.
And here’s the twist: despite the restart, the damage lingers. Some sections will still struggle to operate at full capacity. The main route from Ubungo Terminal to Kivukoni, including the Gerezani–Muhimbili stretch, will be functional. But the Morocco route? It’s a no-go zone until critical electrical and ticketing systems are fixed.
Mr. Gatambi assured that repairs are underway, aiming to restore the entire Phase One system within the Prime Minister’s ten-day deadline. Yet, he issued a stern warning to motorists, including boda boda riders and private car owners, to stay off dedicated BRT lanes, as unauthorized access has been on the rise.
The challenges don’t end there. Traders occupying BRT stations, especially in Kimara, have been urged to vacate immediately. Safety assessments were conducted to assess the damage and plan restoration, as commuters faced immense transport difficulties during the disruption.
As Dart works towards a full recovery, law enforcement agencies are urged to step up their support. The BRT infrastructure is a lifeline for fast and reliable public transport, and its protection is paramount.
But here’s where it gets controversial: was the election-day damage preventable? Could better security measures have been in place? The debate is open, and we want to hear your thoughts. Do you think the BRT system is on the right track to recovery? Share your opinions below, and let’s spark a constructive conversation!