How The Ban Has Changed Life In The City
Its Bad For Business
The Economist in its January 19 edition said that the ban is cumbersome for businesses. Major e-commerce companies starting from food delivery apps to salon services are all delivered by motorbikes. But in Yangon, shop owners have to rely on cars and vans to stock their products. Result? Congestion on narrow side streets.
While an average delivery in any other city, say Mandalay takes 32 minutes, in Yangon it takes 50 minutes.
Less Transport Options
Families who can afford to purchase cars clog up the streets while those who cannot have to stay dependent on the public transport to get around the city. Now, the problem with public transport option is that its commuter trains are in shambles. Which means that now the options available in public transport have also reduced drastically.
Half of the journeys are taken via bus, much higher in number than any other South Asian city. The public transport system is far from adequate to serve the city people. Even going to school can be frustrating for kids.
More Traffic Congestion As Yangon Grows Richer
Until 2011 only the army and state-controlled-firms had the right to import cars however, when this ban was lifted cars flooded the market. As demand increased, prices tanked and soon cars started clogging streets. Reportedly, a study conducted by the University of Tokyo estimates that the ban lowers traffic volume by 18 percent. However, this proportion is forecast to shrink to 5% by 2035. As the city grows richer, the policy of restricting freedom of bike riders will only become weaker.
Less Employment Opportunities
Many biking enthusiasts ride motorcycles even after the ban, during dark hours when there are fewer policemen on the streets. Many people on the outskirts of the city work as motorcycle taxis, waiting to be hired by people in Yangon who need connectivity to bus stations or workplaces. They get fined as well but in order to make money they are ready to get into run-ins with the police. “If the government made motorcycles legal, the drivers would also be able to ride reliably. We can do our work safely without worries. Most of us are otherwise jobless,” a motorcycle taxi rider told CNA.
What Next?
Even the environmentalists are against lifting of the ban. They believe that if motorcycles are allowed again on the roads then it would just lead to more traffic congestion and pollution. “It would produce individualism, air pollution and it will make decision-makers not take the right options for public transport.” said a green expert from a local NGO Green Lotus to CNA.
YRTA although, doesn’t rule out the possibility of a reverse of law in future. Presently, the administration can only suggest expansion of roads and upgradation of infrastructure.
Until then, authorities appear determined more than ever before to penalize motorcyclists who breach the rule. The irony is government-related officials are allowed to ride motorbikes in the city but they are not allowed to carry passengers and must wear helmets!