Tanzania will introduce CNG buses to BRT system in Dar es Salaam

Buses to ply in the next phases of the Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit (BRT) project will have their

engines powered by natural gas to save operational costs, the Tanzania Petroleum Development

Corporation (TPDC) announced. “Plans were to use natural gas for buses currently operating in the

first phase of the BRT but this was not possible due to some technicalities,” said TPDC official Ismail

Naleja.

At present, there are 60 vehicles in the country, which have had their engines modified to use petrol

and natural gas but the official was positive that the number will significantly increase when the BRT

buses will start using natural gas in their next phases. He called on Tanzanians to convert their

vehicles to use CNG, which is abundantly available in the country as it is cheaper compared to

petroleum products, reported AllAfrica.com.

Naleja explained that TPDC has been in touch with the BRT operators to ensure that buses imported

for the next phases are compatible to natural gas use, which will significantly reduce operating costs

for the modern public transport project. “With the use of natural gas, even fares would be lower,”

he said.

There is currently one filling station at Ubungo selling natural gas, but plans are underway to set up

25 CNG stations in Dar es Salaam. According to the TPDC official, the cost for converting gasoline

vehicles is about USD900 per vehicle. However, he was quick to add that the cost can be reimbursed

within five months due to low operating costs of using this alternative fuel.

NGS INDIA