"We were honored and pleased to provide the Tanzanian officials with some valuable information on how to run a successful bus rapid transit system," said Miami-Dade Transit Director Harpal Kapoor. "The fact that they wanted to see our system up close is a testament to the world-class reputation our Busway enjoys."

With a population of upwards of 3 million and a woefully underdeveloped infrastructure, Dar es Salaam suffers from severe traffic congestion that can take hours to clear.

"It's a very serious problem, which is why we need to think of alternative systems, not only for the economy but for public health to reduce smog from emissions," said DAR Chief Executive Cosmas P.M. Takule.

DAR's planned bus rapid transit network calls for a privately operated system of dedicated bus lanes along the city's main arteries to be completed in six phases beginning in 2010.

During their visit in Miami-Dade, Takule as well as DAR System and Operations Director Enoch J. Kitanda and DAR Operations Manager Pieter N.W. Munuo accepted Distinguished Visitor Certificates from the office of Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez.

Transit Delegation: Officials from the DAR Rapid Transit Agency in Tanzania recently got a tour of the South Miami-Dade Busway. From left, U.S. State Department representative Gilbert Raiford, DAR Chief Executive Cosmas P.M. Takule, DAR System and Operations Director Enoch J. Kitanda, Miami-Dade Transit Field Engineering Manager Robert McClellan and DAR Operations Manager Pieter N.W. Munuo stop to check out a Busway shelter.