Bus owners seek meeting with Prime Minister over fare increase

The Tanzania Association of Bus Owners (Taboa) has formally requested another meeting with Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba to address escalating operating expenses and the pressing need for a potential increase in passenger fares. Taboa Secretary General Priscus Joseph stated on Saturday, August 22, 2026, that the association aims to present the additional costs bus operators have incurred since relocating to the Magufuli Bus Terminal.

"We met the Prime Minister in April, and he instructed us not to raise fares despite higher fuel costs, aimed at easing the financial burden on Tanzanians. However, circumstances are changing as our operational expenses continue to escalate," Mr Joseph explained. He detailed that operators are now burdened with significant overheads, including the purchase of shuttle buses to transport passengers from the terminal to various parts of Dar es Salaam and the acquisition of trucks for luggage.

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We met the Prime Minister in April, and he instructed us not to raise fares despite higher fuel costs, aimed at easing the financial burden on Tanzanians. However, circumstances are changing as our operational expenses continue to escalate.

Taboa is appealing to the Prime Minister for another audience to discuss adjusting fares upward, which they argue is necessary to absorb these new costs. The association is also seeking authorization to handle luggage at their own offices and for upcountry buses to drop passengers at more convenient, designated locations closer to their final destinations, thereby reducing supplementary transport expenses for travelers.

Mr Joseph affirmed that Taboa supports the regional administration's directive to move bus operations to the Magufuli terminal, confirming that all its members have complied. Nevertheless, he urged regional authorities to swiftly address existing operational challenges at the terminal, particularly the disruptive presence of unauthorized touts and ticket brokers.

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We are appealing to the Prime Minister to grant us another audience so that we can deliberate on adjusting fares upward to help us absorb the fresh costs of acquiring shuttles and luggage trucks.