Transport authorities are planning to open another commuter tram in Yangon, depending on the number of commuters on the first tram, said Myanma Railways general manager Tun Aung Thin.
Yangon’s first electric commuter tram since 1904 now runs from Wardan Street to Linsadaung with a ticket fare of Ks 100. The tram opened on January 10. Authorities are planning to connect the tram with Kyimyindaing and Pazundaung train stations along the Yangon Circle Line in March and April 2016, respectively.
“The tram currently running can carry 200 passengers at a time. If more passengers start riding it, we will arrange another, smaller tram to run. We have no plan to increase the ticket fare right now. We plan to reduce the fare in the future,” Tun Aung Thin said.
The tram now completes its route six times per day, but authorities plan to expand that number to 10 times per day.
Myanma Railway signed a US$3.6 million deal with Japan-based West Corporation in 2015 to develop the tram line from Warthan Street to Linsadaung.
The regional government said the purpose of the tram is to reduce traffic congestion and to facilitate daily commuting in the event that other modes of public transportation are out of order.
Source: ELEVEN
