Ubungo moves against alleged Sh200 change scam at Magufuli bus terminal

Passengers entering Dar es Salaam’s Magufuli Bus Terminal without a travel ticket are supposed to pay Sh300. Some say workers have been using larger banknotes as an opportunity to keep the Sh200 change.

The complaints concern staff issuing entry cards at the terminal. Passengers allege that workers either return too little change or do not return it at all when they pay with Sh1,000 notes or other larger denominations. The Ubungo Municipal Council says the practice costs both passengers and the council, which loses revenue when procedures are not followed.

Joina Nzali, the council’s information and public relations officer, confirmed that complaints had been received. She said the council reminds employees of their duties and regularly changes the officers stationed at the gates when violations are identified.

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It is true that this matter exists, and we have received complaints from passengers and good travelers who are upset to see the council’s revenue being lost.

The council has also been seeking small-denomination coins from banks, mosques and other places to address the change problem. The Bank of Tanzania has previously rejected claims of a shortage of coins, saying enough coins exist but that some people who need them do not collect them.

Passengers said the problem became more visible after buses were required to begin and end their journeys at the terminal from Aug. 17, 2026. Huruma Kilema, who was traveling to Moshi, said he believed the entry pass cost Sh500 after paying Sh1,000 and receiving Sh500 back. He realized the correct fee was Sh300 only after hearing other passengers compare their change.

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Personally, I thought the entry pass was Sh500 because when I gave Sh1,000, I received Sh500 back and was given a card.