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Special routes to ease transport to Sabasaba fair
What you need to know:
- Latra is also working with the traffic police to guide buses to designated drop-off and pick-up areas at the exhibition grounds.
Dar es Salaam. The Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Latra) has approved special routes for commuter buses (daladalas) to operate between various parts of the city and the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF) grounds during the ongoing Sabasaba exhibitions.
Latra’s head of Public Relations and communications, Mr Salum Pazzy, told The Citizen on Monday that the decision follows a request by the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade).
“Thousands of traders and visitors attend Sabasaba exhibitions, so TanTrade asked us to help on the issue of transport to accommodate the influx,” Mr Pazzy said.
Latra is also working with the traffic police to guide buses to designated drop-off and pick-up areas at the exhibition grounds.
Under the new arrangement, daladalas will be allowed to extend their regular routes. For instance, those operating from Tegeta Nyuki to Makumbusho can continue to the Sabasaba grounds before returning to resume their usual routes. However, operators must meet specific conditions.
“The daladala must be registered with Latra, hold a valid transport licence, and operate within the approved fare structure,” said Mr Pazzy. “The route must be a clear extension of the existing licensed route, and no detours are allowed.”
He said that drivers must comply with all road safety regulations, stop only at authorised locations, and follow instructions at the fairgrounds. Uniforms must be clean, and staff are expected to treat passengers with courtesy.
Latra and the traffic police are conducting inspections to ensure only authorised vehicles operate on the special routes and to prevent illegal special hire services.
Meanwhile, Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit Agency (Dart) Chief Executive, Mr Athuman Kihamia, said no Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses will be deployed for the event this year. “We’ll consider it next year, once we have more buses,” he said.
