The paper represents a comprehensive review of the environmental costs of the different modes of transport both in rural and urban Tanzania. An attempt is made to place these costs in the context of environmental degradation from other sources. The environmental consequences are examined of capital-intensive road construction, and preference is shown for labour-intensive road construction approaches especially in rural feeder roads. The environmental damage caused by both the Tanzania-Zambia railway (TAZARA) and the Tanzania railway system is also examined. Ways are discussed of minimizing environmental degradation through making the transportation system more pro-nature. Transport and urban environmental problems are reflected in traffic congestion, lack of parking space, pollution, noise and accidents. The result is environmental degradation leading to high rates of respiratory and other diseases. This article is opportune given a liberalized, deregulated and commercialized economy and its transport services and increased global concern with the environment.
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