The train departed from Dar es Salaam at 6:01 AM and arrived in Morogoro at 7:55 AM. Photo: Courtesy
Tanzania’s High-Speed Train’s Debut from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro: Praised and Critiqued
By Adonis Byemelwa
In a provocative message that has sparked widespread debate, Yericko Nyerere, a prominent Chadema cadre and ICT expert, has lauded a new transportation project for its dedication and potential impact on Tanzania’s transport sector. “I have seen the trains with my own eyes; the infrastructure is impressive and of high quality,” Nyerere proclaimed on social media, igniting enthusiasm and scrutiny alike regarding the future of Tanzania’s transit initiatives.
However, Nyerere also voiced serious concerns about the project’s execution, citing reports of passengers abandoning trains mid-journey from Tanga to Mwanza due to confusion and disorganization. Speaking in Dar es Salaam on June 14, 2024, he stressed, “The government must tackle these issues head-on to ensure the project’s success.”
He further argued that the government is neither a businessman nor a provider of superior services. Instead, it should create an environment conducive to business and investment in the private sector. According to Nyerere, the transport business, whether by train or bus, should be left to private companies like Abood Bus, Katarama Bus, BM Coach, Tashrif Bus, and Tahmed Bus, which have proven capable of managing and sustaining such services efficiently.
Highlighting the potential of the train project to revolutionize travel for Tanzanians, Nyerere cited examples: “For instance, a journey from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma can now be completed in six hours, compared to a whole day previously.
Similarly, routes from Mwanza to Arusha and Arusha to Kigoma can now be traveled in a single day. Travelers must embrace these services to avoid the fate of projects like the Air Tanzania Corporation Limited, which has faced numerous challenges.”
Nyerere urged the government to partner with international companies to ensure that these services are top-notch and meet global standards. “We need a transportation system that is efficient and reliable to promote the economic growth of our nation.”
One critic, responding to Nyerere’s remarks, commented, “Every time I read this, I find myself laughing… And this guy Nyerere, who calls himself Nyerere, is trying to tell us that the problem lies with government management… As if those in government and those in the private sector are from two different countries… Those in government are just a few of us Tanzanians.”
Meanwhile, over 600 passengers enjoyed a joyful 114-minute journey on the electric train that embarked on its maiden voyage today, June 14, 2024, led by Captain Ahazi Mfupa. The train departed from Dar es Salaam at 6:01 AM and arrived in Morogoro at 7:55 AM.
The Director of the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC), Masanja Kadogosa, stated that the journey involved 14 carriages, three of which were first-class. “We had about 600 to 700 passengers, and many of the carriages were full. If all 14 were full, we would have reached 1,000 passengers,” Kadogosa said in an interview with reporters in Dar es Salaam.
At the SGR station in Dar es Salaam, passengers began arriving at 11:00 AM. Everyone traveling was scanned before boarding the train. At 11:30 AM, an announcement was made requesting all passengers to start boarding the train.
A prominent Chadema cadre and ICT expert Yericko Nyerere. Photo: Courtesy
The announcements continued until five minutes before departure. At 12:01 AM, the train began its journey towards Morogoro. Upon reaching Pugu Station, the train stopped for two minutes to pick up a few passengers.
Besides this station, it also stopped for two minutes each at Soga and Ngerengere stations before arriving at Kihonda station. Unlike the trial run on February 27, 2024, which took 2 hours and 20 minutes, today’s first passenger journey took 1 hour and 55 minutes to reach Morogoro.
Many were curious about how to purchase tickets. Kadogosa explained that passengers could buy tickets online or at TRC offices. Although there was some confusion about the fare, Kadogosa stated that 13,000 TZS for the standard class is an affordable price. “This train is for Tanzanians, and the fares have been set at a reasonable rate for people to afford,” he said.
Some passengers inside the train on its maiden voyage from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro expressed satisfaction with the service. “The service we received today, if it continues, is excellent. Passengers are welcomed well, and every step of the journey is explained,” said John Katabazi, a resident of Dar es Salaam.
Another passenger, Juma Msangi, said that upon hearing the train was starting its service today, he decided to buy a ticket and travel. “I didn’t want to hear stories; I decided to use my money to travel and experience this service for myself,” he said.
The Deputy Minister of Transport, David Kihenzile, urged Tanzanians to use the service properly, maintaining cleanliness and security, as it is their asset.
In a bid to revamp its struggling public transport system, the Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit Agency (DART) is nearing a pivotal agreement with Emirates National Group (ENG), a prominent Abu Dhabi-based company. This partnership aims to inject new life into the city’s transit operations, potentially marking a significant turnaround after years of operational challenges.
Dr. Athumani Kihamia, CEO of DART, disclosed during a press conference at the Tanga Press Club headquarters that negotiations with ENG are in their final stages. He expressed optimism about the deal, stating, “If finalized, ENG will introduce 177 buses to enhance transport services across Dar es Salaam.” Dr. Kihamia emphasized that pending a successful conclusion of negotiations this month, the buses are slated for delivery by September and October, ready to begin operations promptly.
The move to engage ENG underscores a strategic shift towards private sector involvement under Tanzania’s Public Private Partnership (PPP) framework. “Since 2017, we have pursued avenues to optimize our rapid transit infrastructure,” noted Dr. Kihamia, reflecting on the government’s initiative to solicit private sector bids for managing the city’s bus services.
Despite these developments, public sentiment regarding DART’s performance remains mixed. Journalist and political analyst Jesse Kwayu critiqued the current state, lamenting, “DART’s exclusive lanes have not translated into efficient service delivery along critical routes like Morogoro Road and Kawawa Road.” Kwayu’s critique mirrors broader concerns about the efficiency and management of public resources in Tanzania.
The announcement of ENG’s potential involvement has sparked optimism among residents, with many hopefuls for improved reliability and service quality. “People are celebrating this news. We are celebrating the prospect of a professional management approach,” Kwayu remarked, reflecting public anticipation over the pending agreement.
Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit Agency (DART) edges closer to a transformative alliance with Emirates National Group (ENG), mirroring past privatization successes in Tanzania. As negotiations advance, questions linger about the nation’s self-sufficiency in managing critical infrastructure.
Reflecting on these developments, Jesse Kwayu provocatively asks, “Are we building our capacity to manage ourselves, or are we increasingly reliant on foreign expertise?” This inquiry resonates amidst public anticipation over ENG’s potential role in revitalizing Dar es Salaam’s transit system.
Dar es Salaam is on the brink of a transformative partnership between the Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit Agency (DART) and Emirates National Group (ENG), promising a major overhaul of the city’s transit system alongside plans to introduce a high-speed train.
Amidst the anticipation, the Chadema cadre and ICT expert Yericko Nyerere have sparked debate by praising the projects’ potential impact while raising serious concerns. Nyerere highlighted reports of passengers abandoning trains midway from Tanga to Mwanza due to operational confusion and disorganization, urging the government to address these issues promptly during his recent remarks in Dar es Salaam on June 14, 2024.