Dalla Dalla

The Tanzanians are very committed to their public transport. They crowd into Dalla Dalla's to get around the city (Called that because its costs a dollar..."dollar, dollar"). These buses are about the size of a Volkswagon van and often hold 12 people. There are a lot of them around. Factor in the heat, and that is a very sweaty bus.

Taxis are owner-operated here. They are their own small business. Taxis do not have meters - you negotiate a price before you set away on your travel.

Traffic in Dar Es Salaam is a nightmare. It can take hours to get across the city. Lots of pollution. In fact, in the urban district of Ilalla, respiratory infection is the number 2 health concern after malaria (HIV isn't even in the top 10).

So, if everyone is riding the bus, why is it so congested? Well, you must factor in all of the land cruisers and other SUV's. Mzungus like me prefer to ride alone in a huge SUV rather than on the bus. Similarly, as the middle class grows and the upper class prospers here, there is a corresponding increase in the number of people riding alone in big trucks and cruisers.

Yes, there is smog and yes, it sucks when you commute in the city and get stuck behind a diesel truck and have to breathe its exhaust.