If you haven’t heard yet, Yangon’s public bus system will be undergoing a major overhaul over the weekend.
Although there are a number of planned changes, the most immediate one is that starting from January 16, the approximately 300 bus lines that currently serve the city will be cut down to just 60. However, authorities are placing an emphasis on quality over quantity, and have already begun making strides towards making the new bus system more efficient and accessible for citizens.
One of the best improvements so far is the establishment of a Yangon Bus Service website by the Yangon Region Transport Authority (YRTA). Here, citizens can sort out bus routes according to location or bus number — a big jump from the current ‘system’ where you typically find out a bus’s route by asking the conductor on the spot. Visual maps of each route are also available.
The website does warn that information may be subject to change, but that’s understandable considering that the new bus system is yet to actually be in place.
However, if the YRTA makes an effort towards keeping the site regularly updated, it’ll be a huge improvement for citizens who rely on public transportation in their day-to-day lives.
Site updates will be available via the Yangon Bus Service Facebook page. An unofficial Android app — created by local developer Myat Min Soe — can also be downloaded here; Myat Min Soe has also developed an iOS version of the app, which should be available within the week.
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