Punjab govt to ensure transport SOP compliance

Online ticketing made compulsory to reduce interaction between passengers, staff

LAHORE: Punjab government has decided to allow inter-city bus services to resume operations across the province to cope with the transportation needs of the general public amid strict observance of the approved standard operating procedures (SOPs), mandatory online ticketing, contact tracing and reduced transport fares.

The issued SOPs require maintenance of 3-foot social distance between passengers while boarding buses, disinfection of vehicles after completion of every trip, availability of hand sanitiser inside buses and at terminals.

Furthermore, any person suffering from fever or cough would not be allowed to board the bus. It has also been made mandatory for travelers to wear masks and gloves during the entire journey regardless of age, while a seat next to a passenger above 65 years of age would be kept vacant for safety.

Baggage has also been restricted to a minimum for each traveler.

Bus companies have been asked to manage crowds at terminals by deploying additional staff and marking positions, disinfection of waiting areas and allied facilities, frequent disinfection of terminals and to ensure availability of soaps and sanitisers in public toilets.

The provincial government is also emphasising contact tracing and tracking of passengers through online technology.

In case a passenger tests positive for coronavirus after traveling, the government would be able to track their travel history and fellow passengers who may be at risk of virus transmission.

Currently, online ticketing facilities for all major D-Class luxury buses are available through web and app-based platforms.

Another advantage of online ticketing lies with reduced physical interactions at terminals, thereby minimising risk of Covid-19 exposure.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 20^th, 2020.