Yangon, Myanmar: The bus transportation system in Myanmar is seen a positive improvement. Starting from 15th of March, bus riders can start using cash card called iPay card on the some of bus lines, reported by Internet Journal. It will be implemented as a trial period in “Ban Doo La” bus lines specifically the one going from “Tha Mine” township, through “Hle Dan” township, “Myae Ne Gone” township to “Sule” township.
Even though there are some cash cards being used in Supermarkets for quite some time, this is the first ever cash card system which can be used on buses. In Yangon, paying the exact change for a bus fare is usually a difficult job and also some of the travelers are getting tired of asking the bus conductor for the small change.
“With the iPay card, you don’t need to use cash anymore for the bus fare. You don’t need to worry for the ‘small change’ for your everyday bus rides. This card is operating by wireless system and it only takes 0.1 second to make payment on buses. The software was created by the professionals fromIndiain cooperation with Myanmar IT professionals. All necessary hardware will be installed in the buses free of charge. It costs between 400,000 Kyats ($487 USD) to 500,000 Kyats (610 USD) for a single iPay machine. But we will install an iPay machine for free of charge for every bus. Even though a cash card costs about 5 dollars, we will sell it for only 300 Kyats ($0.37 USD). Bus travelers can add value of iPay card starting from 1,000 Kyats ($1.21 USD) to maximum 100,000 Kyats ($122 USD). ” told by the spokesperson of Kis Pa Na Di Company Ltd which is currently trying to start the first ever cash card system for the Buses.
The spokes person from Kis Pa Na Di also explained that only exact amount for the fare will be deducted per trip and the iPay terminal machine will print out the receipt so that commuters can keep track with the expenses. To top up the iPay cards, it can be made in the offices which will be opened by Kis Pa Na Di Company Ltd. Most of the bus riders welcome this project. “I only wish the project can be successfully established and I hope it will last long. Finding the small change for the bus rides have been a problem in our daily routines” told by one of the company staff.
