The Yangon Region Transport Committee (YRTC) has announced that YBS bus fares will increase from 200 kyats to 300 kyats and from 400 kyats to 600 kyats, effective September 1, due to rising costs of vehicle spare parts and related components.
YPS card fares will also be adjusted to the same rates, with the relevant technology companies working to implement the changes by the effective date.
Of the 5,399 registered buses operated by 21 public companies under the YRTC, only around 3,300 buses are currently able to operate daily. About 1,024 buses are undergoing minor repairs, 209 are undergoing medium repairs, 510 are undergoing major repairs, and around 356 other buses are unable to operate. As the prices of spare parts for the buses currently undergoing repairs have increased, YUPT and YBPC Co., Ltd. reportedly submitted proposals to the YRTC to increase bus fares by an appropriate amount to facilitate the purchase of spare parts and repair works.
“To increase the number of YBS buses in operation, it is necessary to repair the buses currently undergoing maintenance within the companies as soon as possible, which will make transportation more convenient for the public. However, the high cost of spare parts and related components, as well as the imbalance between income and expenses, have made it necessary to revise bus fares to an appropriate and reasonable level. It has been determined that adjusting the fares will help YBS bus companies operate more effectively while also ensuring that passengers can travel without difficulties. Therefore, in order to achieve a win-win situation and avoid placing an excessive burden on the public, the current fare of 200 kyats will be increased to 300 kyats, while the current fare of 400 kyats will be increased to 600 kyats. YPS card fares will also be adjusted simultaneously to the same rates. Arrangements are being made with the relevant technology company to implement the changes by the designated date. The fare increases will take effect from September 1, 2026,” the YRTC announcement said.
In addition, around 3,300 passenger buses operated by YBS bus lines under the supervision of the YRTC are currently providing daily transportation for approximately 1.8 million commuters. As the number of YBS passengers has increased, overcrowding at bus stops and on YBS buses has been observed, with the number of operating buses insufficient to meet passenger demand. Therefore, YRTC said it is placing emphasis on increasing the number of YBS passenger buses in operation. YRTC is also inspecting and supervising YBS public companies to ensure that buses undergoing minor and medium repairs are repaired as quickly as possible and returned to service, thereby increasing the number of buses available for daily operations.
