Dar RC lifts the lid on bus companies operating outside the Magufuli Bus Terminal

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Albert Chalamila, has warned bus companies operating without special permits by giving them  seven days to leave unauthorised terminals and resume their services at the Magufuli Bus Terminal in Mbezi.

Chalamila issued the directive today, August 11, 2026, while addressing media outlets  in Dar es Salaam, saying the move is intended to ensure that the Magufuli Bus Terminal is fully utilised as the city’s main long-distance bus facility.

According to Chalamila, the terminal, located in Ubungo District, was constructed at a cost of more than 54bn/- and has the capacity to accommodate a large number of buses at the same time.

However, he said some bus companies have continued operating outside the terminal despite the availability of the main facility. Areas identified as hosting such operations include Shekilango and the road towards Magomeni.

Chalamila clarified that the directive does not apply to all bus companies, as some have been granted special permits by the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) to operate from designated locations.

According to LATRA information, six companies have been granted special corporate permits allowing them to operate from designated areas, including establishing smaller terminals in locations such as Manzese.

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The Regional Commissioner stressed that companies without such permits are not authorised to operate bus terminals outside the Magufuli Bus Terminal.

He directed the affected companies to vacate unauthorised terminals and resume their operations at the Magufuli Bus Terminal within seven days, from August 11 to August 17, 2026.

The directive is aimed at restoring order in bus operations, ensuring services are provided from authorised terminals and promoting efficient utilisation of the infrastructure at the Magufuli Bus Terminal.