Problem of public transport to be resolved: Chohan

LAHORE (92 News) – Punjab Information Minister Fayyazul Hassan Chohan has said that the problem of public transport will be resolved. In a statement, the minister said that the government will solve the transporters’ issue by dialogue with them again. He also assured that the provincial regime will analyze the transporters’ reservations and resolve the issue of public transport. Fayyazul Hassan Chohan said the Punjab government wants to provide relief to every sector and standards operating procedures (SOPs) have been issued in the interest of the passengers as well as the transporters. Transport service in Punjab could not be resumed today despite the government orders. Transport owners had said they would not resume operations until the provincial govt had taken back decision to offer 20 per cent reduction in fares. Despite orders from the provincial government, public transport owners in Punjab have refused to resume operations in the province, with bus stands wearing an empty look on Monday morning. However, bus stations in Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan and other cities of the province remained empty while the passengers as well as the transporters complained over the ongoing situation. Earlier on Sunday, the Punjab government had issued a notification outlining protocols for inter-city transport following an outcry by transport owners over lack of collaboration on SOPs and reduced fares announced by the provincial government. The notification contains directives for owners of buses and minibuses, terminals, passengers, drivers and conductors.