Tanzania’s upcountry bus operators are facing a steep decline in business following unrest tied to the recent elections. According to industry leaders, passenger numbers have dropped dramatically, forcing companies to reduce service frequency, operate at half capacity, and grapple with mounting financial losses.
Edward Magawa, manager at Shabiby Bus Company, revealed that the firm once deployed eight buses in the morning but now runs only four, while night services have been cut from six buses to three. He noted that key routes such as Dar es Salaam to Dodoma, Mwanza, Arusha, and Songea are particularly affected. On many of these trips, buses are carrying just 25 passengers despite having more than 50 seats, making it nearly impossible to cover costs like fuel, maintenance, and staff wages.
Operators like Magawa say current operations feel less like a business and more like a public service, as they struggle to generate any meaningful return. He warned that if the situation persists, servicing loans and sustaining operations will become increasingly difficult. Meanwhile, Happy Nation Company’s manager described this period as a “low season,” with buses running despite frequent empty seats to maintain trust with regular customers.
Leaders in the transport sector are calling on authorities to restore confidence. Magawa suggested an official government reassurance on safety could help encourage passengers to return. He also highlighted the urgent need for clarity so that people feel secure enough to resume travel.
The Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA) reports that passenger volumes are beginning to recover. Before the disruption, upcountry buses carried up to 85,000 travelers daily; by November 10, that figure had fallen to around 62,300. According to the Tanzania Bus Owners Association, however, most buses are still running at only 30–40% capacity about 20 to 25 passengers per trip leaving many operators deep in the red.
With their businesses on the line, operators are calling for swift action to stabilize the sector. Restoring passenger confidence, reaffirming safety, and helping firms weather this slow recovery will be critical if long-distance bus travel is to rebound in the months ahead.