The inaugural journey commenced on 29 October 2012.[4][5] The public affectionately refer to it as Treni ya Mwakyembe in honour of Harrison Mwakyembe, the Transport Minister at the time.[6]
The Citizen reported in January 2013 that 'Zambia was opposed' to the project utilising the TAZARA track and that it wasn't 'properly consulted'. Zambian officials insisted that the matter ought to have been brought before the board of directors for approval as both the governments are equal shareholders.[7] Minister Mwakyembe refuted these allegations saying all procedures were adhered to. An anonymous TAZARA board member commented that they had failed to convene their quarterly meeting for the past six months.[8]
TRC (1,000 mm (3 ft 3+3⁄8in)) operates a 20.0 km (12.4 mi) track from Pugu Station to the city centre via Gongo la Mboto, FFU mombasa, Banana, Karakata (Airport), Vingunguti Mbuzi, SS Bakhresa, Kamata (Kariakoo City BRT station) then finally Central.[10]
TAZARA (1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)) offers two routes on its 20.5 km (12.7 mi) rail network.[11] The first from its station in Dar es Salaam to Mwakanga which lies on the outskirts of the city. It stops at Kwa Fundi Umeme, Kwa Limboa, Lumo Kigilagila, Sigara, Kitunda road, Kipunguni B, Majohe and Magnus. The second service runs from its Dar es Salaam station to Kurasini via Kwa Fundi Umeme, Yombo, Chimwaga, Maputo, Mtoni Relini and Kwa Aziz Ali Relini.[12]
As of November 2013, the TRC line has been operating at a loss. It costs Tsh 4 million per day to run, whereas revenue from ticket sales stands at Tsh 2 million.[14] The high operating cost has been attributed to the engines and wagons which aren't cost efficient for short journeys.[15]
In December 2019, TRC completed a feasibility study for 6 new railway routes within the network.[16] Route A would link the Mikocheni, Mwenge, Ubungo, and Mtoni wards. Route B would link the Central Business District with Pugu and Karakata (Airport). Route C would connect Mwenge with Wazo Hill and Bagamoyo. Route D would circle the city, linking Vikindu Charambe with Kibiha. Route E would stop at several places, starting in Mtoni and ending in Mwenge. Route F links the Central Business District to Kigamboni.
