The ministry has signed a contract with IT specialists Analytics Company to run the project. Ko Khant is managing the project and says the tests will ascertain if the metered taxi fare system which works in many of the planet’s biggest cities is feasible in Yangon.
The Transport Ministry says taxi journeys in vehicles equipped with meters will streamline fare collection and enhance passenger safety. The ministry also says if the trials are successful and all taxis are equipped with meters, GPS monitoring could also be introduced as an extra safety mechanism as well as a dial-a-taxi service.
At the time of going to press, project manager Ko Khant said the relevant parties had still not reached agreement on what the flag-fare for journeys should be. Sceptics claim that even if taxis are fitted with meters, drivers are a law unto themselves and will still charge whatever fare they deem fit.
Yangon tests out metered taxis
News in Asia
Myanmar’s Transport Ministry has authorised tests to find out whether taxis in Yangon should be fitted with meters. The trials are due to take place some time this month and will see 100 taxis fitted with prototype meters.