ENG signs 12-year contract to operate BRT

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit Agency (DART) has entered into a 12-year contract with Emirates National Group (ENG), a private transport firm based in Abu Dhabi, to operate the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Dar es Salaam.

According to information availed to the ‘Daily News,’ yesterday, the agreement was officially signed on Friday. This marks a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance public transport services in the country’s commercial capital.

According to information availed to the ‘Daily News,’ yesterday Last year, during a press conference in Tanga, DART’s Executive Director, Dr Athumani Kihamia, the deal will see ENG take over operations of Phase I of the BRT system and introduce 177 new buses to improve efficiency and coverage across the city.

Speaking to reporters, Dr Kihamia highlighted that the process to bring in a private operator began in 2017 under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

However, he noted that negotiations were initially delayed due to disputes over fare structures and arbitration mechanisms.

“In 2020, the government once again floated tenders, receiving sealed bids from 40 companies. ENG emerged as the top contender and the process has now culminated in this signed contract,” he said.

The current BRT service is being provided by the UDA Rapid Transit (UDART), a transitional service operator running a fleet of approximately 90 buses.

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Dr Kihamia clarified that UDART will continue to operate to supplement services, especially in areas not yet fully served.

He further pointed out that if ENG proves successful in its operations under Phase I, the company could be considered for further expansion under Phase II of the project.

“Our long-term vision is to expand rapid bus services beyond Dar es Salaam into other urban centres across the country,” he said.

ENG is an international company with a strong track record in managing private and public transport systems, as well as related services.

The company’s entry is expected to ease some of the long-standing challenges in Dar’s public transport sector, including bus shortages, frequent breakdowns and overcrowding at bus stops.

The government’s decision to engage a reputable foreign operator is part of a broader strategy to revitalise urban transport and ensure safer, more reliable mobility for city residents.