By Nyein Nyein
The Yangon Region Transport Authority (YRTA) will run a free ferry service between Yangon and Cocogyun, with an allocation of K20 million from its fund, every month, said U Phyo Min Thein, the Yangon Region Chief Minister and the Patron of the transport authority.
He made the remarks at a ceremony to launch the YRTA’s Yangon-Cocogyun ferry service on 21 January at the Thakayta jetty of the Five Star Line.
The route is being subsidized using YRTA funds to benefit locals and assigned government personnel, he said.
“The Yangon-Cocogyun ferry service aims to facilitate transportation of locals and assigned government staff. Vacationers and tourists are not being allowed to go to Cocogyun Township for security reasons,” said U Phyo Min Thein.
“The six-day Yangon-Cocogyun ferry trip will commence on 21 January, and the service will be operated once a month. The YRTA will notify next month’s schedule,” said U Hla Aung, Joint Secretary of the YRTA.
“The YRTA has signed the Thuriya Sandar Win Company for operating the Yangon-Cocogyun round trip at a cost of K20 million. People can travel free of charge, with food and beverage service included. The charges for loads are free for now. Later, the regional government will decide and collect some charges,” he said.
“We will charge for goods loaded on the ship, upon the decision of the cabinet. The YRTA has subsidized this service to ease the transportation difficulties faced by locals,” said U Hla Aung.
“The Yangon-Cocogyun six-day route will be operated once a month and so, it will help develop Cocogyun Township,” said U Hla Tun, a local.
“Water transport is the sole option for us. The locals are very delighted at the news of the ferry service”, he said.
Earlier, the Myanmar Five Star Line had been allowed to provide ferry services to Cocogyun Township, along with other profitable routes. However, the services were offered only for a short duration.
“Cocogyun is a hard-to-reach place and the service will facilitate transportation,” said U Aung Naing from Cocogyun Township Constituency 2.
The service is only meant for locals and assigned government staff. People who wish to go to Cocogyun have to seek approval from the departments concerned.
(Translated by Ei Myat Mon)
