Passengers travelling to different regions across Tanzania have been left stranded following an impromptu strike by upcountry bus drivers in several parts of the country.
The mass strike has been reported at major bus terminals in Dodoma, Mbeya, Morogoro, Iringa and Mwanza, as well as at the country’s major Magufuli Bus Terminal in Dar es Salaam.
The striking drivers are citing what they describe as unnecessary and unprofessional conduct by traffic police officers, including alleged demands for bribes, as the main reason behind their industrial action.
Their major grievances, however, centre on the enforcement of traffic fines and the newly introduced driving licence points system.
The drivers claim that some of their colleagues have been subjected to heavy fines of up to one million shillings for traffic offences, had their driving licences suspended for periods of up to six months and lost points under the new system.
They further complain that the process of recovering suspended licences involves additional procedures, including being required to return for further training.
“We are really tired of the unprofessional manner in which some traffic officers allegedly solicit money from us without any logical reason. In such cases, we are being forced to dig deep into our pockets for their personal benefit,” said Omary Mohamed, a bus driver in Dodoma, who requested that the name of his bus company not be disclosed.
“We are working to feed and take care of our families, not to enrich unscrupulous traffic officers,” he added.
Mohamed said the strike was intended to draw the attention of the relevant authorities to what the drivers consider misconduct by some traffic officers and to urge them to take appropriate action.
In Morogoro, passengers who had planned to travel from the Msamvu Main Bus Terminal to various regions across the country were forced to postpone their journeys after drivers of buses scheduled to depart from the terminal refused to operate.
The development has disrupted passenger transport services, leaving travellers uncertain about when normal bus operations will resume.
The drivers’ grievances come amid the implementation of the 15-point driving licence system, which began in September this year following amendments to the relevant regulations through Government Notice No. 420 of 2025.
Under the system, drivers can lose points for specified traffic offences, with accumulated penalties potentially leading to the suspension of driving licences.
The strike has consequently placed pressure on authorities to address the drivers’ concerns while ensuring that traffic laws and road safety regulations continue to be enforced.