January 16, 2017
A new public bus system
that reduced and coordinated the number of bus lines from more than 300 to 70
launched in Yangon yesterday, easing traffic congestion but causing some chaos
among confused passengers.
The first day of the
new system saw fewer buses than expected, though more than 3,700 buses were
expected to operate on the first day, according to Yangon Region Transport
Authorities.
The shortage of buses
and the ensuing delays prompted private buses from express bus lines and from
tourism companies to voluntarily offer transportation to commuters who were
crowded at bus stops. Other commuters who elected to not use the bus system on
its first day used the circular train, which reported a jump in ridership
yesterday.
It was learnt that one
of the reasons for the shortage of buses was a lack of adhesive stickers that
identified the vehicles.
“Buses launched
operation late because they took about 30 minutes to put stickers identifying
them as part of the new system early this morning. Meanwhile, passengers are
not accustomed to the new bus numbers and their routes.
It is expected to take
at least a week for passengers to become accustomed to the new system,” said
Yangon Region Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein yesterday.
The imbalance between
the number of buses and the passengers was most apparent in Hlinethaya, Thaketa
and Thanlyin, it was reported.
One of the aims of the
new bus service was to improve road safety by reducing the breaking of traffic
rules by buses, said Dr Maung Aung, Secretary of the YRTA.
YRTA has also formed an
Operator Team with representatives from bus lines of the new system in order to
quickly respond to the chaos caused by the new system.
“It is very difficult
to transform from the old to the new system. There are many challenges and
requirements. Anyway, we are committed to establishing the new transport system
with good services to the public,” said Dr Maung Aung.
Ref; The Global New
Light of Myanmar
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