In the aftermath of several decades, Tanzania has decided to lift the long-standing ban on night-time upcountry bus travel.
The government’s decision took into account input from stakeholders in the transport sector, as well as improvements in infrastructure and security.
During the announcement in parliament, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa stated that the ban had been implemented in the 1990s due to an increase in road accidents and incidents of bus hijackings.
He has now directed the relevant authorities to work to “establish a procedure to be followed by the owners and drivers of passenger buses who intend to transport passengers at night”.
The association of Tanzanian bus owners has welcomed the lifting of the ban, recognizing its potential to stimulate growth in the transport sector.