Yangon Bus Service

Yangon Bus Service (YBS) is a bus transport network system which started operations on 16 January 2017, serving Myanmar's former capital city of Yangon.[2] It is operated by the Yangon Region Transport Authority (YRTA).[3]

Yangon Bus Service
ParentYangon Region Transport Authority
Commenced operation16 January 2017
LocaleYangon Region, Myanmar
Service areaYangon Region
Service typeBus transport
Routes135
Fleet4,000[1]
Operator8 private operators
Chief executiveSaw Bo Bo

History

Prior to the implementation of the new bus network, Yangon's bus network was overseen by the Yangon Motor Vehicles Supervisory Committee (colloquially referred to as Ma Hta Tha), and served a majority of the city's 2.8 million commuters daily. Private bus companies also ran lines throughout the city at a smaller scale. Of the 7,800 buses registered in Yangon, 4,000 of them plied the streets of Yangon daily, covering over three hundred bus lines.[4]

The main reason for the overhaul of the bus network was the increasing number of complaints against bus operators for compromising passengers' safety in a bid to maximise profits, with bus drivers driving dangerously to pick up more commuters than their competition. The bus conductors (locally known as 'spares') were also heavily criticised for their poor attitude and constant overcharging.

The Chief Minister of Yangon, U Phyo Min Thein brought the issue of public transport reforms into the spotlight.

Implementation

Prior to the citywide overhaul of the bus network, small-scale reforms had already been made to improve the city's bus network. This included the implementation of Yangon's first bus rapid transit system, the Yangon BRT, in February 2016 operated by Yangon Bus Public Company Limited. Despite the BRT system serving only two lines, it has seen considerable success, gaining popularity among commuters for operating an all air-conditioned fleet of buses, as well as introducing the first e-payment system for buses in Myanmar.

The new bus network has reduced the old network's 300 lines to 100.[5]

YBS will be installing the Yangon Payment Service card system in 4,000 buses in 2019. Asia Starmar Transport Intelligence Co., won the tender to install the card payment system.[6]



Criticism

Yangon Bus Service amid criticism of being ill-equipped to serve commuters, shortage of buses, misconduct of bus staff and constant violation of traffic rules. On 7 April 2017, lawmakers from Yangon Region Parliament called for a transparent review of the YBS.[7]

References
  1. "Yangon launches new bus network". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 24 Jan 2017.
  2. Aye Nyein Win (16 January 2017). "New day dawns for Yangon bus system". Myanmar Times. Retrieved 16 Jan 2017.
  3. "ယဉ်လိုင်းများ".
  4. "Rangoon Public Bus Companies Aim to Launch Services in Early 2017".
  5. "In a first, Myanmar's largest city launches bus network impacting millions".
  6. "YBS to Launch Card Payment System". The Irrawaddy. 2019-01-17. Retrieved 2019-02-06.
  7. "Lawmakers Call For Review of Yangon's New Bus System". 6 April 2017.
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