Passenger bus fares soar in Arakan State as virus again scrambles transport business models 

By DMG 05 Aug 2021

DMG Newsroom
5 August 2021, Sittwe 

Bus fares are increasing on routes to Sittwe, Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U and Minbya townships in Arakan State, according to drivers and passengers. 

Small buses were previously allowed to carry more than 10 passengers, but now only three passengers are allowed under Covid-19 regulations, and bus fares are higher than the round-trip cost of fuel, said a bus driver who plies the route between Mrauk-U and Sittwe. 

“During the Covid-19 pandemic, a passenger bus is allowed to carry only three passengers. When passengers are not allowed to board as before, it is not economically viable to run normally. As a result, we charge a little more than usual,” he said. 

Passenger buses are inspected at checkpoints by ward and village administrators, and if they are found to be carrying more than three passengers, they are reportedly ordered to turn back. 

A sampling and comparison of bus fares past and current found a ticket from Sittwe to Ponnagyun was previously K3,000 but is now K5,000, while the fare from Sittwe to Kyauktaw was increased to K15,000 from K5,000, and the cost from Sittwe to Mrauk-U and Minbya was raised to K30,000 from K10,000. 

With only three passengers allowed, drivers are not earning enough money, but are still running for the convenience of passengers who have to travel, said U Than Myint, a bus driver who plies the route between Mrauk-U and Sittwe. 

“We still have to run passenger vans, even though our income is not as stable as it used to be. Even if we do not have that kind of income, if we do not run our cars, it will be difficult for those who have to go urgently. It is not convenient for some travelers to rent a car, so we make it convenient for them,” he explained. 

The United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) issued a statement on July 20 urging residents to stay at home to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in Arakan State. The number of passengers traveling to other towns has since decreased, contributing to the fare increases, according to drivers. 

Ko Aung Ko Nyein, a passenger traveling from Minbya to Sittwe, said the rise in bus fares — up to three times the normal price in some instances — would make it more difficult for the poor and those without regular incomes to travel. 

“I want the drivers to be able to negotiate a price that is convenient for passengers. I would like the fare to be around K20,000. Rising fares are causing a lot of problems for the poor. If they have to go to Sittwe urgently, it will be very difficult,” he said. 

The ULA/AA first announced a stay-at-home period in Arakan State from July 20 to August 4, and subsequently extended it from August 5 to August 18.