Exploring the modality and impact of integrating bus rapid transit with daladala services in Dar es Salaam

Abstract

The rapid urbanization of Dar es Salaam has led to significant transport challenges, including severe congestion and inefficiencies affecting daily commutes. In response, a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system was introduced to modernize the city's public transport infrastructure. However, integrating this formal scheduled service with the existing informal paratransit services, particularly daladala minibuses, remains problematic. This study examines the operational and economic impacts of integrating BRT with daladala services, focusing on how the two systems interact, and exploring opportunities for a more effective multimodal public transport network. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including quantitative surveys of 160 daladala operators and 196 daladala passengers, alongside qualitative interviews with key stakeholders, such as government regulators, daladala operators, and BRT officials. The findings reveal that the current integration model has negatively affected daladala operators, reducing daily profits for many. However, a segment of operators who adapted as feeders for the BRT experienced increased passenger loads. Passengers expressed dissatisfaction with long wait times and uncoordinated schedules, highlighting the need for better integration at transfer points. This research advocates for a more coordinated and strategic integration of daladala infrastructure, addressing policy and planning gaps to ensure the systems complement each other and improve overall urban mobility.