Assessment of the effects of Dar bus rapid transit (Dar BRT) on household welfare - case of Dar es Salaam region

Dar es Salaam has a steadily growing population. When you have a growing population you must think of providing such a population a modern, efficient and environment-friendly public transportation system and one affordable to residents. The government on the other hand struggled to eliminate those problems with little success. Finally, it settled for establishment of a Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) system so that Dar es Salaam city residents can enjoy a high-quality, accessible and affordable mass transit system. This study aims at assessing effects of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) on households’ welfare. For the purpose of this study sample size of 234 respondents was purposively selected and analyzed, both quantitative and qualitative analysis was conducted. To analyze the welfare implication, we employed an ordered probity regression analysis so as to find direction of coefficients and variables of interest such as: education level, age of respondents, marital status, occupation of respondent as well as leisure time. Most of these variables were found significant in explaining effect of BRT in households’ welfare. Marginal effects were also calculated as well as other diagnostic tests. From the analysis it was found out that about; 43% agree that Dar bus rapid transit have effect on household’s welfare, 8% are indifferent and about 49% disagreed that Dar Bus rapid transit has effect on household’s welfare. Lastly it was recommended that; the fare structure of BRT must be reviewed as it seems not to be fair for short distance travelers, Construction of flyover to the major roads which faces high traffic congestion especially in peak hours as well as rush hours. As well as adding more BRT buses.