Tanzania’s transition toward a greener and more sustainable public transport system is gaining momentum, with the Dar Rapid Transit Agency (Dart) announcing that Phase 4 of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project will be exclusively served by electric buses.

A total of 390 electric buses will operate along the Phase 4 corridor once construction is complete, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to adopt clean energy solutions in urban transportation, Dart Chief Executive Dr. Athumani Kihamia announced on Monday, August 4.

Phase 4 will run from the Kivukoni terminal in the city centre, following Ali Hassan Mwinyi and Bagamoyo roads all the way to Tegeta. A key branch will divert from Mwenge through Sam Nujoma Road to Simu 2000, covering a total distance of 30.1 kilometres.

The announcement comes as Dart prepares to invite tenders from prospective bus operators for Phase 3 of the BRT network, which is now 90 percent complete.

Dr. Kihamia confirmed that procurement of the Phase 3 operator is expected to be finalized by the end of 2025. Phase 4, currently at 30 percent completion, is projected to be operational by early 2026, with the operator selection process to follow shortly after.

Phase 3 spans 23.6 kilometres, connecting Gongolamboto to the city centre via Nyerere Road, with a branch line running along Uhuru Road.

The exclusive use of electric buses in Phase 4 reflects the government’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and modernizing public transit, while also improving air quality and commuter experience in Dar es Salaam.