Myanmar: Yangon bus network to transform lives of 5m citizens
The changes are aimed at reducing traffic and commute time of some two million commuters
Myanmar launched a new public transport system in its largest city yesterday, for the first time introducing regular bus lines, timetables and salaries for drivers in a move that could transform the lives of some five million Yangon city dwellers.
The reform is the largest public-facing project with immediate impact on the city where country leader Aung San Suu Kyi won big in historic 2015 election, and a test for her ability to meet the expectations of the public.
With parliamentary by-elections looming in April, Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) has overhauled the chaotic network of some 4,000 rickety public transport vehicles, half of them in use for more than 20 years, according to government data. The new system would also bring down and coordinate the number of bus lines to 61 from some 300.
Reducing commute times
The changes are aimed at reducing traffic and commute time of some two million commuters who have complained the buses are overcrowded, schedules unpredictable and driving unsafe.
Toe Toe, a 20-year-old female university student said: “I’m always trapped with a crowd of other passengers for at least one hour,” said Toe Toe, about only one leg of her daily commute to the university and a part-time job that hours.
Phyo Min Thein, the NLD’s Yangon Chief Minister recited the long list of failures of the previous system that lacked professional management, was riven by corruption and has become notorious for poor service and recklessness of the drivers.
“We will change the bus system first, and then continue to upgrade the electronic payment system, security and we’ll carry out controls to ensure the traffic rules are respected,” Phyo Min Thein told reporters at a news conference last week.
As part of the overhaul, the government will set up the Yangon Region Transport Authority (YRTA) to manage a group of bus companies who would form a new public-private partnership. can take up to three