THE introduction of night travel has significantly boosted the number of passengers opting for road transport instead of air travel when moving between regions for urgent engagements, according to the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Latra).

Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday ahead of the Sustainable Land Transport Week celebrations, Latra Director General Habibu Suluo said night bus services have made long-distance travel more convenient and affordable for many Tanzanians.
Suluo said night bus services have changed the face of public transport in the country by providing greater flexibility and convenience for passengers who, in the past, had to rely on expensive air travel to reach their destinations quickly.

 “Previously, when someone had to be in another region early the next morning for an urgent assignment or official duty, they had no choice but to fly,” Suluo explained. “But with the availability of night travel, people can now board buses in the evening, travel overnight, and arrive at their destinations early in the morning without stress — and at a much lower cost.”

He noted that this innovation has greatly reduced travel expenses for many Tanzanians while also ensuring that people can manage their time better and avoid delays in carrying out professional or personal responsibilities.

Suluo further said that night services have brought a new level of reliability to the sector, encouraging more people to use regulated public transport options instead of unlicensed or unsafe means.

 “This improvement has enhanced both the comfort and safety of passengers. Latra continues to work closely with transport operators to ensure that all vehicles used for night travel meet safety and operational standards,” he said.

As part of Latra’s ongoing efforts to improve transport safety, this year’s Sustainable Land Transport Week will bring together over 800 transport service providers, government institutions, and key stakeholders in the sector. The event, to be held in Dar es Salaam, will focus on educating the public about road safety, transport regulations, and innovations in the transport industry.

During the week-long commemoration, Latra will also present excellence awards to the best-performing transport operators. According to Suluo, the awards aim to encourage professionalism, motivate better service delivery, and strengthen competition across the industry.

“By recognising outstanding service providers, we promote a culture of responsibility,! innovation, and customer care within the transport sector,” he said.

Suluo urged members of the public to take advantage of the event to learn about their rights and responsibilities as road users, as well as to gain knowledge on safe travel habits and the importance of compliance with traffic laws.

 “Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. We encourage Tanzanians to actively participate in the Road Safety Week and use the opportunity to engage with experts, operators, and regulators who are committed to making our roads safer for all,” he said.