Z’bar to roll out e-buses, announce new fares

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR is set to roll out electric bus services from next month as the government introduces new public transport fares aimed at improving services, addressing rising operating costs and promoting clean transport technology.

Minister for Works and Transport, Dr Khalid Salum Mohamed, announced the changes during a press briefing at Kisauni, saying the reforms which will begin in August 1, this year, are intended to modernise public transport while ensuring operators remain financially sustainable.

Under the revised fares, passengers using daladala in Unguja will pay 700/-, up from 500/-, for journeys of between one and 12 kilometres. Fares for routes covering 19 to 21 kilometres have increased from 800/- to 1,000/-.

For vehicles serving residents in remote and rural areas, commonly known as gari za shamba, fares have increased across several distance bands. The fare for trips covering between one and 14 kilometres has risen from 600/- to 700/-, while passengers travelling between 60 and 70 kilometres will now pay between 2,500/- and 3,000/-.

On other routes, fares for distances of one to nine kilometres have increased from 600/- to 800/-, while trips covering 42 to 45 kilometres will now cost 2,800/-, up from 2,000/-.

In Pemba, fares for journeys of between one and 12 kilometres have also been revised from 500/- to 700/-.

Dr Khalid said the fare adjustments followed a comprehensive review that considered rising fuel prices, maintenance costs and other economic factors affecting the transport sector.

ALSO READ: Regulator announces new bus fares

He said the government will simultaneously introduce electric buses, with passengers travelling between Malindi and Buyu and Malindi and the Airport paying 700/-.

The minister added that senior citizens and students will continue to pay half the approved fares upon presenting recognised identification cards.

He directed all transport operators to comply with the new fare structure, warning that authorities will closely monitor implementation to prevent overcharging and ensure adherence to the approved rates.

Dr Khalid said details of fares for additional routes will be announced later, reaffirming the government’s commitment to providing safe, reliable and efficient public transport services across Zanzibar.