LAND Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) has highlighted the importance of investing in e-ticketing to improve efficiency, transparency and revenue collection in the transportation sector.

Salum Pazzy, Head of Public Relations and Communication Unit at LATRA, made the statement in Dar es Salaam yesterday at the launch of ‘Daladala Xperience’ documentary themed ‘Exploring Tanzanian Identity Through Immersive Art’.

He noted that public transport plays a vital role in Tanzania, from the popular daladala minibuses to the Dar Rapid Transit (DART) system and development of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).

Despite the advancements, challenges remain, particularly regarding the adoption of digital solutions like e-ticketing.

“The government should view the 'Daladala Xperience' documentary as a valuable resource for understanding the daily lives, challenges and potential solutions for public transportation, including the need for e-ticketing investment,” he said.

Pazzy added that the documentary highlights issues such as overcrowding, safety concerns and inefficiencies in fare collection.

"E-ticketing could address some of these challenges by streamlining payments, reducing fare disputes and enhancing revenue management,” he said.

Daladala Xperience explores Tanzanian identity through innovative technologies, showcasing the intersection of art, technology, and Tanzanian culture as seen through the transport system.

Princely Glorious, Co-founder and Director of Storytelling and Strategy at Ona Stories, said that the daladala is the most common and affordable means of public transport in the country.

 “This exhibition not only highlights Tanzania’s rich cultural heritage but also serves as a powerful platform for empowering artists and promoting cultural understanding" he said.

By merging art with technology, the event opens new avenues for local artists to express themselves while fostering appreciation of Tanzanian identity among diverse audiences.

Aurelio Mofuga, a Tanzanian immersive artist who made the documentary, was awarded residency worth €35,000 (approximately 104m/- out of 25 applicants.

The documentary explores the role of the iconic daladala transport system in shaping Tanzania’s social and economic landscape, using immersive technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and projection mapping.

“I collaborated with artists, mentors and local experts to create a multi-sensory exploration of Tanzanian identity. Following the successful exhibition in Linz, Austria, I have been invited to lead a workshop in Dakar, Senegal, on October 23, 202,” he said.

“Additionally, my work will continue on an exhibition tour in Tanzania, showcasing at various cultural centres and galleries.”

The daladala transport system, often seen merely as a means of transportation, is reimagined as a symbol of Tanzanian culture, connecting the country’s past, present, and future.