When we wrote last week that Yangon’s revived colonial-era tram along Strand Road was getting off to “a slow start,” we were not exaggerating.
The project, a deal between Myanmar Railways and West Corporation, has only been offering scheduled service since January 11, but questions are already being raised about its popularity.
Ko Win Hlaing, an assistant supervisor for Myanmar Railways, told the Global New Light of Myanmar that the majority of passengers take the 100 kyats tram (about 10 cents) “for pleasure.”
But is that such a surprise? It isn’t the most useful conveyance in the city.
Right now it only runs from Linsadaung in Botahtaung Township to Wardan Street. That’s 4.8 kilometres, or a little less than 3 miles. Sure, it’s cheaper than a cab, and you can avoid traffic. But that’s a pretty short and specific commute (to be fair, plans for expanding the line are in the works).
Also, right now it’s running from about 8am to 1pm, so anyone wishing to take it home after work is out of luck. Passenger numbers are low, according to figures quoted for New Light, with fewer than 200 people on average boarding the tram on most days since it’s launch.
