New Buses: Green & Comfy

Impressive first electric buses have started rolling through Zanzibar on two routes. They are not only more comfortable but ecological.

Modern bus stations appeared first, then the large smart buses in white-green design followed, officially inaugurated at the end of July by none other than Zanzibar’s president. For now, they serve two routes, from Stone Town to the airport, and from Stone Town to Chukwani-Mbuyu. Starting point is the new bus terminal in Malindi. Fares are TZS700 standard, and TZS350 for students. The bus fleet will be upscaled to 100 buses, the government has announced.

Daladalas – private minibuses – were suspended on the bus routes, leading to some complaints by users that the e-buses were too slow and that digital ticketing didn’t always work, local newspapers reported.

The e-buses are part of a major modernisation and infrastructure improvement drive in Zanzibar, visible all over the island.