The Dar Rapid Transit Agency (DART) management has announced that it is considering introducing facial and palm recognition technology for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) passengers as part of efforts to modernize the system and reduce revenue losses.
Under the proposed plan, commuters in Dar es Salaam could eventually access BRT buses using their faces or palm prints instead of relying only on smart cards.
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According to DART, the biometric system is still at the planning stage and would work alongside the existing smart card ticketing system rather than replacing it completely.
The agency says the move is aimed at increasing convenience for passengers while also addressing mounting losses linked to the current smart card system.
If implemented, the technology could significantly change how commuters access public transport in Tanzania’s largest city, with faster boarding times and reduced dependence on physical cards.
Biometric systems are increasingly being explored in public transport networks around the world as operators seek to improve efficiency, reduce fraud, and streamline fare collection.
For East Africa, the proposal signals another major step in the modernization of urban public transport systems, especially as cities continue investing in BRT infrastructure and smart mobility technologies.







