Water taxis to set sail in March

Last year, we reported that water taxis might be a possibility in Yangon’s future in hopes that they will help reduce traffic jams, and now it looks like it’s all but certain that they’re coming.

Two local companies — Golden Diamond and Tint Tint — have submitted tenders for the Yangon Region Transport Authority’s upcoming water taxi network, an official told Kumudra.

The government hopes to have the water taxi system up and running by March of this year, although they won’t decide on how many taxis there will be until a tender offer has been accepted.

The taxis will service the Hlaing River, Yangon River, and Nga Moe Yeik Creek. According to the current plans, harbors will be set up in Hlaing Tharyar, Shwe Pyi Thar, Kyeemyindaing, Ahlone, Pansodan, Sule, and South Okkalapa Townships.

Specifically, seven harbors will be set up along the Hlaing and Yangon Rivers for a Hlaingtharya-Pansodan route, and 11 along Nga Moe Yeik Creek for a North Dagon-Nyaung Tan route; the latter will also run along the Pazundaung Creek.

While ferries have been used in the past as a means of transportation around the city, lack of interest and upkeep costs eventually forced businesses to shut down. Today, the only regular ferry route is the one between the Pansodan Jetty and Dala across the Yangon River.

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