YANGON: Passenger traffic at ferry terminals has dropped significantly following the opening of the Myanmar–Korea Friendship (Dala) Bridge, according to ferry operators.
Local boatmen said their daily income has fallen sharply since the bridge began operations.
“We were already facing difficulties before the bridge opened. Now, the income we earn is very different from what we used to make. It has dropped by about half,” said U Myint Than from the Kamakasit ferry jetty.
“Still, we can manage to support our families. Given our age and experience, this is the only job we know. The bridge is good for development, but we will have to look for other opportunities in the future.”
The bridge officially opened on Feb 6. U Tun Aung, a supervisor at the Pansodan ferry terminal, said ferry usage has declined noticeably since the bridge came into service.
“From the day the bridge opened, the number of ferries operating has decreased. Passenger numbers have also fallen. Previously, there were about 100 ferries in operation. Now, that number has been reduced by roughly half. Even during peak office hours, far fewer people are using the ferries. Ferry operators’ incomes have dropped considerably,” he said.
Starting Feb 12, bus services have also begun operating across the bridge, with 20 buses run by YBPC and 10 buses by YUPT. Following the launch of these bus routes, ferry workers are reportedly facing increasing economic hardship. - Eleven Media News/ANN
