BRT Phase II: Daladala face deadline ahead of July 1 launch

The Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) in Tanzania has issued a stringent one-week ultimatum to daladala operators in Dar es Salaam, mandating them to cease picking up and dropping off passengers at undesignated points along the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Phase II infrastructure. This directive, effective ahead of the BRT Phase II's full commercial launch on July 1, 2026, aims to safeguard the significant public investment in the rapid transit system and enhance operational efficiency. Non-compliance will result in strict measures, as LATRA seeks to integrate daladalas as feeder services rather than direct competitors on the dedicated BRT routes, thereby streamlining urban mobility and ensuring the sustainability of the modern transport infrastructure.

Dar es Salaam's urban transport landscape is on the cusp of a significant transformation with the impending full commercial launch of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Phase II on July 1, 2026. In anticipation of this milestone, the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) has issued a critical one-week ultimatum to daladala operators, the ubiquitous minibus share taxis, to cease picking up and dropping off passengers at undesignated points along the newly established BRT Phase II infrastructure. This phase, extending from Mbagala to Kariakoo and Kivukoni, represents a substantial investment in modern public transport, and LATRA's directive underscores a firm commitment to protecting this investment and ensuring the system's operational integrity.

The ultimatum is not merely a procedural announcement but a pivotal regulatory intervention designed to address operational overlaps and enhance the efficiency of Dar es Salaam's public transport network. The continued operation of daladalas on routes already allocated to the BRT system has been identified as a significant challenge, leading to underutilization of the BRT buses and hindering the financial viability of the rapid transit project. This article delves into the legal and practical implications of LATRA's directive, examining the regulatory framework, the rationale behind the decision, and the anticipated impact on both daladala operators and the commuting public.

The Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) was established in 2019 under the Land Transport Regulatory Authority Act, No. 3 of 2019, replacing the former Surface and Marine Transport Regulatory Authority (SUMATRA) to specifically oversee and regulate land transportation in Tanzania. LATRA's broad mandate includes issuing licenses and permits to transport operators, setting and enforcing operational and maintenance standards for vehicles, monitoring compliance with regulations, and facilitating the resolution of complaints and disputes. Crucially, the Act vests LATRA with powers to review and set rates and charges, and to impose fines and sanctions on regulated entities that contravene its legislation.

The Dar es Salaam Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project is a multi-phase initiative by the Government of Tanzania aimed at providing a reliable, cost-effective, and efficient public transport system to alleviate severe urban congestion and improve mobility. Phase II of the BRT system, which is the focus of the current directive, involves the construction of 20.3 km of exclusive BRT lanes along the Kilwa Road corridor, connecting Mbagala to the Central Business District, specifically Kariakoo and Kivukoni. The project is designed to integrate with existing transport networks, with the long-term vision of a seamless public transport system.

Historically, daladalas have served as the primary mode of public transportation in Tanzania, operating as privately owned minibus share taxis. While their routes are allocated by LATRA, their operations have often been characterized by informal practices, including picking up and dropping off passengers at non-designated points. The introduction and expansion of the BRT system, with its dedicated lanes and structured terminals, necessitates a re-evaluation and stricter regulation of daladala operations to ensure harmony and efficiency within the evolving urban transport framework.

LATRA's directive to daladala operators is firmly rooted in its statutory mandate under the Land Transport Regulatory Authority Act, No. 3 of 2019. The Authority is empowered to regulate road transport services, including commuter buses, by issuing road service licenses and enforcing compliance with operational standards. The requirement for daladalas to operate within designated areas and adhere to specific routes falls squarely within LATRA's functions of monitoring performance, promoting economic efficiency, and ensuring the safety of regulated sectors. The Director General of LATRA, Habibu Suluo, explicitly stated that unauthorized stopping within BRT lanes will be considered an offence, highlighting the legal basis for enforcement.

The economic rationale behind this directive is to protect the substantial multi-billion-shilling investment in the BRT infrastructure. Reports indicate that the BRT system is currently operating at approximately 50 percent capacity, with many buses underutilized, largely due to direct competition from daladala services operating on parallel routes. By restricting daladalas from picking up and dropping off passengers along the BRT Phase II infrastructure, LATRA aims to channel commuters towards the rapid transit buses, thereby increasing ridership, ensuring the financial sustainability of the BRT operator (Mofat Company Limited for Phase II), and attracting further investment in the sector.

Under the new arrangement, daladalas originating from areas like Mbagala will be required to drop passengers at designated terminals, such as Kariakoo or Kivukoni, without making intermediate stops along the BRT corridor. This effectively positions daladalas as feeder services to the BRT network, rather than direct competitors. While this integration is intended to improve overall efficiency and reduce congestion, it has sparked mixed reactions among stakeholders. The Chairman of the Dar es Salaam Passenger Transporters Association (UWADAR), Mr. Jafar Kismat, expressed concerns about the lack of consultation with operators, fearing potential implications for their livelihoods and commuter convenience.

Enforcement will be strict, with LATRA working in collaboration with transport agencies and the police to ensure compliance. The Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Tariff) Regulations, 2020, and other subsidiary legislation provide the framework for imposing fines and sanctions for non-compliance. The success of this directive hinges not only on stringent enforcement but also on the reliability and efficiency of the BRT services, as commuters will naturally gravitate towards the most convenient and cost-effective options. The transition also necessitates robust public awareness campaigns to inform passengers about the new arrangements and prevent confusion.

This regulatory shift reflects a broader policy objective to formalize and modernize Dar es Salaam's public transport system, moving away from the largely informal daladala operations towards a more structured and integrated mass transit model. While the long-term benefits of reduced congestion and improved urban mobility are clear, the immediate challenge lies in managing the transition in a manner that minimizes disruption to commuters and addresses the legitimate concerns of daladala operators, many of whom face significant operational adjustments.

The impending full commercial launch of Dar es Salaam's BRT Phase II, coupled with LATRA's firm directive to daladala operators, marks a critical juncture in the city's urban transport development. The one-week ultimatum for daladalas to cease unauthorized stops along the BRT corridor is a decisive step by the regulator to protect a vital public investment, enhance the efficiency of the modern transit system, and ultimately improve urban mobility for millions of commuters. While the transition is expected to streamline operations and reduce congestion, it presents immediate challenges for daladala operators who must adapt to new operational parameters, primarily functioning as feeder services to the BRT network.

Practitioners in transport law and regulatory compliance should closely monitor the implementation and enforcement of this directive. The legal implications for non-compliant daladala operators, including potential fines and sanctions under the Land Transport Regulatory Authority Act, No. 3 of 2019, will be significant. Furthermore, the success of this integration will depend on LATRA's continued engagement with all stakeholders, ensuring clear communication, fair enforcement, and the development of an integrated fare system. The coming months will be crucial in observing how this regulatory intervention reshapes Dar es Salaam's public transport landscape, balancing the imperative of modern infrastructure utilization with the socio-economic realities of existing transport providers and the daily needs of the commuting public.