Phalan-Kalay Bus Line Resumes Service, But Passenger Fares Rise to K2 Lakh Per Person

AYEYARWADDY TIMES (Phalan), September 3 Bus services between Phalan Township in Chin State and Kalay Township in Sagaing Region have resumed, but passenger fares have risen to K200,000 per person, according to local residents. The Phalan-Kalay bus lines were suspended in 2024 due to fighting in Phalan city and have resumed service since August 25, after more than two years of suspension. Currently, bus lines such as "Phalan Than" and "Taung Tan Mye" are operating twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays. "The Phalan and Kalay bus lines run twice a week. If the days are not full, the bus does not depart. Currently, buses depart from the Phalan Than and Taung Tan Mye bus stations," a Phalan resident told the Ayeyarwaddy Times. Although the bus lines have resumed, transportation costs are very high, with passengers having to pay K200,000 per person, in addition to K20,000 to K30,000 for the transportation of rice and sugar bags. "Although the public is happy that the bus lines have resumed, there are still difficulties because the fares and service charges are twice as expensive as before," a Phalan resident told the Ayeyarwaddy Times. Before the fighting in Phalan city, the fare for this route was only around K80,000 to K90,000 per passenger.