The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in Dar es Salaam: A Pilot Study on Critical Infrastructure, Sustainable Urban Development and Livelihoods

Inner-city transportation looms large in big cities the so-called Global South due to rapid population and urban growth. To tackle this challenge, a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system was implemented Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) 2016. This paper reports on results of pilot study impacts BRT city development livelihoods Dar. Our study, which is part collaborative research project LIPSINDAR (Linking Partners for Sustainable Inclusive Salaam), not designed provide comprehensive insight into problems planning, infrastructure modification their impact livelihoods. Rather, using example Salaam, served as an entry point highlight challenges future demands context insecurities risks South. In particular, our investigated element critical probed its residents’ livelihoods, focusing influence service disruptions everyday routines, different stakeholders’ views functionality BRT. Elaborating topic, interviews, street vendor surveys mappings were used methods describe processes. examine more closely, outcome divided groups fields activity, namely Traffic Management, Local Residents, City Administration, Basic Provision Services Street Vendors. summary, confirms that implementation has, general, improve Reducing commuting times enhancing access basic services found positive results. There is, however, still potential improvement: bus network, needs be expanded vulnerability natural extreme events, especially flooding, addressed.