Fares for Manaung-Taungup ferry route increase fivefold

By DMG 25 Aug 2021

DMG Newsroom
25 August 2021, Taungup

The price of a ferryboat ride from Manaung to Taungup in Arakan State is up to K50,000 per person, more than five times the normal rate, according to locals.

Previously, the ferryboat fare from Manaung to Taungup was only K9,000 per person, but the price has skyrocketed during the Covid-19 period, locals say.

“It costs K50,000 per person to take the Shwe Lin Yone [Golden Eagle] ferryboat. It is very different from the previous price,” said Daw Ma Lay, a passenger travelling to Taungup from Manaung.

“Ferryboat fares need to be reduced. This will make it easier for travellers and people who want to get medical treatment. If the poor are in poor health, it can be very difficult to get medical treatment in Thandwe or Taungup due to rising ferryboat fares,” she added.

At present, only the Shwe Lin Yone ferryboat is running the route between Manaung and Taungup, giving it a monopoly over those looking to make the journey.

Ko Maung Maung Aye, a Shwe Lin Yone official, rejected accusations of price gouging.

“We are running the ferryboat service at the request of the locals so that there is no shortage of food and oxygen, for the convenience of the passengers. The round-trip fare from Manaung to Taungup costs about K900,000. It only charges for the cost of the return trip. We do not charge extra for our passengers,” he said.

Locals are demanding that the administration make arrangements for the grassroots to address the current, high ferryboat fares.

The Shwe Pyi Tan ferryboat service, which temporarily suspended its operations on July 20 in an effort to help curb the spread of Covid-19, was due to resume operations on August 24, according to a Shwe Pyi Tan official.

The Shwe Pyi Tan express boat line operates one of Arakan State’s most extensive networks, with routes between Sittwe and Myebon, Minbya, Kyaukphyu, Kyauknimaw, Ramree, Taungup, Manaung, Pauktaw, Mrauk-U, Rathedaung and Buthidaung.