Punjab govt, transporters agree to resume services

Transport dept to forward letter seeking flexibility in lease payments

LAHORE: Punjab Transport Minister Muhammad Jahanzaib Khan Khichi has confirmed that the provincial government and transporters have reached a consensus regarding rules of public transport operation, following which the All Pakistan Public Transport Association announced resumption of its services.

On the directives of the Punjab chief minister, negotiations between Minister Jahanzaib Khan and transporters related to implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) were held at Transport House on Wednesday.

Punjab Industries and Trade Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal, Transport Secretary Asadur Rehman Gillani, Transport Alliance Action Committee President Asmatullah Niazi and other representatives of transporters also participated in the meeting.

The transport minister said it is the government’s mission to remove hurdles for the public and provide best transport facilities to them. “We will leave no stone unturned for attaining this objective,” he vowed.

Jahanzaib Khan also asserted that strict SOPs compliance will be ensured to save the people from the dangers of the novel coronavirus.

He maintained that the benefits of reduction in petroleum and diesel prices must trickle down to the people in the shape of lower transport fares.

The minister further said that transport plying on GT Road will cut fares by 20% and ensure proper adherence to the SOPs.

He urged the passengers to follow the safety rules, maintain a mutual distance of at least three feet while traveling in public transport, and wear masks and gloves.

“The transporters have been asked to disinfect buses as per the outlined safety protocols, provide soaps and sanitisers on the route and at bus terminals,” Jahanzaib disclosed while talking to the media.

He reiterated that anyone found symptomatic of coronavirus or suffering from fever, flu or cough will not be allowed to travel inside public transport.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 21^st, 2020.