Chronology: Yangon

Yangon’s fancy new electric tram stopped service today after only six months of running along Strand Road from Linsadaung to Wardan Street.Trams ran along Strand Road in colonial times and the project, a $3 million deal between Myanma Railways and Japan’s West Corporation, was aimed at reviving the alternative transportation as Yangon’s streets brim with taxis and buses.

But it didn’t catch on.

Myanmar Railways general manager Tun Aung Thin told Global New Light of Myanmar that a few days ago only 10 people took the tram, and without going into specifics, he said accidents would sometimes occur in crowded areas.

He also told the Voice that, instead of relieving congestion, the tram sometimes added to it because of all the container trucks plying the route right next to the tracks running along Strand Road.

The carriages will be kept near Wardan Street to use in special cases, such as if there are emergencies.
Info

Trams return to the streets of Yangon after 70 years since the closure of the first tram system. The new tram line built with Japanese investments officially opened on 10.01.2016, regular service started on 11.01.2016. The 4,8-km long line is built via Strand Rd between Wardan Jetty and Linsadaung. The tracks are laid with the 1000 mm & 1435 mm options. Three 50-years old ex-Japanese cars are used, operating 6 runs between 8:00-16:00. The fare is MMK100 (appx. US$0,08). Extensions form Wardan Jetty to Kyeemyindaing in the east, and from Linsadaung to Pazundaung in the west are planned for 2017, brining the line to 11,3 km, in length.
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