THE Yangon Division Supervisory Committee Ensuring Smooth and Secure Transport said last month that highway buses were no longer permitted to pick up passengers in downtown areas.

“Highway buses must now pick up passengers only at highway bus terminals,” said an official from the committee. “The buses cause too much traffic congestion downtown, so we want to keep them out of the area.”

Yangon has two highway bus terminals: Aung Mingalar in Mingalardon township and Dagon Aye Yar terminal in Hlaing Tharyar township.

However, some highway bus drivers, especially those bound for Bago, have been picking up passengers downtown before driving to the bus terminals to pick up more passengers.

The official said bus drivers who violate the new rule will be fined K100,000 and will have their driving licence revoked.