Kantarawaddy Times
Long-distance bus travel lines operating between Yangon and Loikaw have resumed their services, according to bus operators.
New Generation Express (Myo Set Thit) bus express service began operating a two-stage route today on (July 16), from Yangon to Taunggyi, and then from Taunggyi to Loikaw.
“For other bus services, there will be small buses available. Between Taunggyi and Loikaw, only small bus services will be available for passengers. From Yangon to Taunggyi, Myo Set Thit express service will be operated. Hence, passengers will have to travel by small buses from Loikaw to Taunggyi. Large buses cannot enter Loikaw yet, so we have to use smaller buses to connect. Later, there will be direct express buses from Loikaw to Yangon; however, currently, large buses cannot operate,” explained a representative from Myo Set Thit Generation Bus Line when contacted for information.
Kantarawaddy Times is still inquiring about the status of other bus lines to determine if they have also resumed operations.
Myo Set Thit Generation Express bus has set a fare of 55,000 kyats per passenger. Following the 1111 military operations in Loikaw, all bus lines to various cities were halted. In late May, small buses resumed operations within Loikaw, but large buses have not yet resumed service.
“Every day, there are cars traveling in Loikaw. However, regular bus lines have regular schedules. The other vehicles usually travel only when they have full seats of passengers. The costs are not significantly different,” said a resident of Loikaw.
Currently, The military council has declared that it has cleared around 40% of the territory in Loikaw, allowing residents to return. However, residents report that intermittent gunfire continues in some areas outside the city.
