Yangon looks to improve its public transport network with the support of Japan. Especially as old material becomes increasingly dangerous on the roads of the former capital.
YANGON- The Japanese government will render technical and loan assistance to improve Yangon’s transport system including city buses and underground railway, according to the report on a meeting on the Strategic Plan for Urban Development at Yangon City Hall last Friday.
Most Yangon residents have to rely on passenger buses. Old buses from the postwar-era, and vehicles such as Dyna and Hilux cause most traffic accidents but are still being used in the former capital.
The Japanese government will provide technological and loan assistance to modernise the bus network for the public transport.
JICA, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and the Yangon City Development Committee are drawing up a master plan for Greater Yangon. Projects will be laid down for ensure urban transport develops.
The plan will include upgrading buses, establishing an express bus system, improving public transport in the central economic zone, plus the densely populated downtown area, and traffic safety programs, the report said.
Official figures showed that old and second-rate buses caused 318 accidents in Yangon Region in 2011, killing 60 and injuring 823. The vehicles that caused most traffic accidents were postwar buses – BM Hino, Dyna, Hilux.
The underground railway system, an essential service, must be rapidly implemented at main junctions. A railway system capable of saving travel time needs to be upgraded, preliminary report-2 on the Strategic Plan for Urban Development in Greater Yangon stated.
Luc Citrinot a French national is a freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years experience. Based in Paris and Bangkok, he works for various travel and air transport trade publications in Europe and Asia.
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