State stresses effective use of bus terminals

DODOMA: THE government plans to ensure major bus terminal countrywide are fully utilised to generate public revenue and support essential services, while avoiding costs that could raise fares.

It says operators should use terminals built with public funds, but without creating unnecessary expenses for transporters and passengers.

Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba said the government has invested heavily in terminal infrastructure and cannot allow the facilities to remain underutilised.

He made the remarks yesterday in the National Assembly during the Prime Minister’s questions session while responding to Asha Feruzi (Special Seats–CCM) on how the government will ensure terminals deliver value and returns on public investment.

Dr Nchemba said he had already consulted the Minister for Works, the Minister for Transport, the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government) and the Attorney General on practical ways to ensure proper use of the facilities.

He noted that the government had temporarily lifted the requirement for inter-regional buses to enter every council terminal, particularly where they neither pick nor drop passengers.

While terminals are a key revenue source for councils, he said forcing buses to enter all terminals regardless of need increases operating costs.

ALSO READ: Bus operators heed govt order, shift to Magufuli Terminal

“The aim is to strike a balance between protecting public investment and preventing avoidable costs from being passed on to passengers,” he said.

However, the Premier stressed that the temporary measures should not undermine long-term utilisation of terminals built with public funds.

He said the facilities were designed to organise transport services, improve revenue collection and strengthen security and control over passenger vehicles.

“Where terminals exist and buses originate from those areas, they must use them. That is why we built them,” he said.

He added that organised terminal use will enhance security by improving monitoring of vehicles and their movements.

Dr Nchemba warned that allowing buses to operate from informal points could create security risks, including difficulties in tracking vehicles and curbing illegal activities.

He said regions have been directed to establish clear arrangements for compulsory use of major terminals once the temporary measures lapse.

The PM said, he had specifically instructed authorities in Dar es Salaam to expedite use of the Magufuli Bus Terminal after holding discussions with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.

He said that the Regional Commissioner had begun implementing the directive, with other regions also tasked to follow suit.

Dr Nchemba cited major terminals in Dar es Salaam, Morogoro and Mwanza, as well as ongoing construction of a modern multi-storey terminal in Moshi, as examples of significant public investment.

Such investments, he said, cannot be left idle after funds that could have supported hospitals, schools and other projects have already been committed.

He urged regional and local authorities to work closely with transport stakeholders to develop practical arrangements that ensure terminals are used while keeping fares affordable.

“Our goal is to ensure public investments deliver real benefits without unnecessarily increasing the cost of travel,” he said.

Dr Nchemba added that the government will continue to monitor implementation to ensure terminals serve their intended economic, transport and security functions.