YANGON: Myanmar launched a new public transport system in its largest city on Monday, for the first time introducing regular bus lines, timetables and salaries for drivers in a move that could transform the lives of some five million Yangon city dwellers.

The reform is the largest public-facing project with immediate impact on the city where country leader Aung San Suu Kyi won big in historic 2015 election, and a major test for her ability to meet the sky-high expectations of the public.

With parliamentary by-elections looming in April, Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) has overhauled the chaotic network of some 4,000 rickety public transport vehicles, half of them in use for more than 20 years, according to government data.

The new system would also bring down and coordinate the number of bus lines to 61 from some 300.

The changes are aimed at reducing traffic and commute time of some two million commuters who have complained the buses are overcrowded, schedules unpredictable and driving unsafe.

As part of the overhaul, the government will set up the Yangon Region Transport Authority (YRTA) to manage a group of bus companies who would form a new public-private partnership.

YRTA announced that a total of eight companies have been selected to operate the new Yangon Bus Service system.

“We are just starting the reform — it’s a first step — we could face a lot of objections or even protests,” said YRTA’s secretary, Maung Aung.

But San Myint, 48, who has been a bus driver for over 20 years, has criticised a poor public information campaign prior to the launch, lack of instructions for bus drivers, including no information about the new salary system.

Prior to the changes, Yangon bus drivers got paid per a completed route, encouraging them to drive fast, often breaking traffic rules.

“I know we have to get on board with the reform — I just hope our salaries will not decline under the new bus system,” said San Myint.

Published in Dawn, January 17th, 2017