17 Jan
By Nyein Nyein
E-ticketing machines have been installed on more than 2,500 buses with the YBS lines for the rollout of the card payment system, said Daw Nilar Kyaw, Yangon Region Minister for Electricity, Industry and Transportation.
She made the remarks at the 3rd anniversary of the Yangon Region Transport Authority (YRTA), held on 16 January at the Sky Star Hotel.
“A total of 2,539 buses have been equipped with the machines. The machines have been installed on 1,500 Utone and Hyundai vehicles, 1,000 Foton buses, and 39 Scania buses,” said Daw Nilar Kyaw.
“Although the machines have been installed on buses, the card payment system has not started yet. And, preparations are under way,” she added.
“We will let the public use the card system after it has been fully tested. A pilot project will be held on a limited number of buses. We will make sure it is for a long term,” said Daw Nilar Kyaw.
“Furthermore, plans are being drawn so payments for the Yangon Water Bus and for shopping can be made using the payment cards. Therefore, we are taking a preliminary measure. The long-awaited card system will be launched soon,” she said.
To improve transport facilities in Yangon, the Yangon Bus Service system (YBS) was launched on 16 January, 2017, during the incumbent government’s term. At present, more than 100 bus lines are operating 4,500 buses on about 135 routes, along with the Airport Shuttle. The number of daily commuters has been estimated at 1.8 million.(Translated by Ei Myat Mon)
