Thirty eight car accidents involving YBS (Yangon Bus Service) buses occurred in October and November this year with 10 people killed and 29 injured, Hla Aung, joint secretary of Yangon Region Transport Authority, told the media on December 4.

Two died and 22 were injured in 17 accidents in October while eight died and seven were injured in 21 accidents in November.

"I think we should review and increase fine and penalty to prevent accidents and enforce traffic rules. In the YBS system, drivers play an important role. The recklessness of drivers is a striking fact," Hla Aung said.

YBS special driving courses are being conducted under the cooperation between the Road Transport Department and YRTA to reduce road accidents and enforce traffic rules. Those with three-year driving license may do the course.

Previously, those with five-year driving licenses could only drive a YBS bus. But now those with three-year licenses can do the course, said Hla Aung.

To do the YBS course, trainees need to have psycho, eye and hearing tests. Smart cards are being issued to YBS drivers for public knowledge about their personal details. And 621 drivers including women have received those cards.

There are about 100 YBS bus lines with 6,635 buses registered at YRTA. Over 4,500 YBS buses transport about 1.8 million passengers daily in Yangon.