Yangon MPs discuss implementation of safe school bus system

 May 14, 2017

A PLAN to implement a safe school bus system for all government-run schools and private schools in Yangon this academic year was recently discussed among Yangon Region MPs and city authorities.

To reduce Yangon’s worsening traffic congestion and improve safety, the Yangon Region Government is putting forth continuous efforts to develop a standardized system of school bus transport service.

As part of the plan, negotiations were made in late April between the regional government and officials from 26 schools, which often experience the problem of school traffic jams.

Under the new system, the authorities will only allow the running of buses equipped with public safety facilities after inspection, according to Yangon Region Hluttaw representatives. There is no order which says that school bus operators must buy new buses to replace their existing buses according to the new scheme, it is just a rumour, the MPs added.

Over the past five years, there was a plan to limit some types of cars such as mini light trucks, which are not suitable to use as a school transport vehicle. During this period, some schools replaced light trucks with mini buses and super custom cars as a part of preparation for the new plan.

An agreement to purchase 200 new school buses from Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) and Posco Daewoo Corporation was signed by the Yangon Region Government on 10 May, with plans to support schools wishing to engage in school bus operations.

Hsu Hnin Lae

Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar