Transport service not resumed in Punjab despite govt orders

LAHORE (92 News) – Transport service in Punjab could not be resumed on Monday (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. According to the notification, air-conditioned buses will have a 20% reduced fare, whereas non-air-conditioned buses will charge 78 paisas per kilometre as opposed to the previous 93 paisas. Passengers boarding and dismounting buses must observe social distancing, it said. Buses must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after every trip and the bus terminal will have to be sprayed with chlorine frequently. The notification also said that passengers will have to make use of masks and sanitisers before boarding buses. Anyone suffering from a high fever or coughing constantly will not be allowed to travel on the bus. Passengers aged 65 and above will be seated alone with the seat next to them kept vacant. Drivers and conductors will have to get their temperature checked before every journey.