THE Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) has issued temporary permits for 150 commuter buses operating along Morogoro Road, each with a capacity to carry at least 26 passengers, to help ease transport challenges caused by the ongoing maintenance works on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor.

LATRA’s Director General, Habibu Suluo, said the permits, valid for three months—aim to ensure continuity of public transport services while infrastructure repairs are carried out on the BRT route.

“This move follows the announcement by the Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Albert Chalamila, regarding the temporary suspension of BRT services after parts of the infrastructure were damaged,” said Suluo.

According to LATRA, a technical assessment conducted by the authority indicated that an additional 150 buses were needed to supplement the existing fleet. Suluo added that if the demand for transport services continues to rise, LATRA will consider issuing more permits to allow additional daladala to operate.

“Each of the smaller buses will accommodate 26 seated passengers. LATRA has always ensured that public transport services continue uninterrupted, even when BRT routes are being introduced or undergoing maintenance,” he explained.

The newly licensed buses will serve routes along Morogoro Road connecting key city points including Posta, Muhimbili, Mnazi Mmoja, and Makumbusho.

Commenting on the Mbagala route, Suluo said no new permits would be issued for that area since the infrastructure there had not been significantly affected and existing vehicles were still operating.

“The Mbagala route has not been heavily impacted. Therefore, we don’t expect to issue new commuter bus permits, as the only station with minor damage is the one at Mbagala,” he said.

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