SOPs announced for buses, vans

People operating bus, wagon stands instructed to implement social distancing at stands, in vehicles

RAWALPINDI:

The Rawalpindi Regional Transport Authority (RTA) has issued directives for maintaining social distancing and wearing facemasks in buses and vans.

RTA is conducting raids to ensure implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Punjab government for public transport to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

According to RTA Rawalpindi Secretary Ghulam Abbas Mehr the administration had allowed public transport to operate in the district under SOPs.

People operating the bus and wagon stands were instructed to implement social distancing at stands and in vehicles as well.

There were guidelines for the buses that one door is used for boarding and the other for alighting.

However in case of vans and wagons with single doors, the crew was directed to ensure social distancing as people get on or off the vehicle.

The secretary said parking lanes should be set up at bus stands and circles should be marked where passengers should stand to maintain social distance.

Bus stand operators should deploy staff to control overcrowding. Buses were not allowed to run air conditioners and all windows should remain open for fresh air.

All buses will be sanitised from time to time. Anyone suffering from cold or fever will not be allowed to board. The stand administration should also inform the riders who come from time to time.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 26^th, 2020.