Need more jetties to expand Yangon Water Bus operation: Minister

18 Jan

By Nyein Nyein

In order to expand Yangon Water Bus services, the government needs to construct more jetties, said Daw Nilar Kyaw, Minister for Electricity, Industry, Road Transportation and Communications for Yangon Region.

Currently, the Yangon Water Bus is operating in the Hline River. To expand the service to Ngamoeyeik creek and Thanlyin, more jetties need to be constructed, she

added.

“The jetties need to support our water bus. At present, the water bus can be operated only in Hline River. So, we need to construct more jetties very soon to extend operations to Ngamoeyeik creek and Thanlyin,” said Daw Nilar Kyaw.

“To develop Yangon Water Bus operations, the Myanma Port Authority (MPA) is collecting rent for only two jetties out of nine, which are used by the Yangon Water Bus,” said U Bo Soe, assistant general manager of MPA and member of the Yangon Region Transport Authority (YRTA).

The nine jetties are Botahtaung Terminal (No.4 bridge), Nan Thi Da Terminal (Pansodan Street), Lan Thit Jetty (Lan Thit Street), Kyimyindine Terminal Zay Gyee jetty, and Hline railway station terminal from Yangon side, and Hsarparchaung, Thamadakanchay, Angyithinbawkyin from Insein and Dala side.

“The Yangon Water Bus has suspended services since last September for renovation. During this period, the authority has conducted major repairs on vessels and jetties, and planned to buy new vessels to start operations in Ngamoyeik creek, build jetties along Ngamoyeik creek, renovate the Thanlyin jetty, and install machines for the new payment system,” said U Ngwe Phyo Paing, operation manager of the Yangon Water Bus.

The Yangon Water Bus service was launched on 7 October, 2017 by the Tint Tint Myanmar Company. The company provides services from Insein jetty to Botahtaung jetty, using 11 motor vessels.

It provides transportation to around 100,000 commuters per month.

The Yangon Water Bus is also offering daily services for pilgrims and riverine cruise tours. (Translated by Hay Mar)