Punjab Government on Monday relaxed restrictions imposed on the plying of public transport in the State. As per new guidelines, the State Transport Undertaking buses will be allowed to ply on select routes from point to point between major cities and district headquarter with 50 percent occupancy of its full capacity from Wednesday
onwards.
“The move is aimed at easing out hardships being faced by the citizen of the state so that they can commute to discharge their duties,” said the state Transport Minister Razia Sultana while chairing the Department’s high level meeting.
Razia Sultana said that the decision to relax restrictions on plying of public transport has been taken in consonance with the latest guidelines issued by the Government of India.
The Minister said that it has been decided that STU buses from Wednesday onwards will be allowed to ply on select routes from point to point between major cities and district headquarter with 50 percent occupancy of its full capacity.
“These buses will embark from bus stands only, where all passengers will be screened before they are allowed to board the buses,” said the Minister adding that the Transport Department would ensure that health and hygiene protocol pertaining to Covid-19 is completely adhered to while plying of buses and other transport.
She said that it would be ensured that all the passengers are maintaining social distancing in the public transport, wearing masks and their hands are sanitized with sanitizer provided by the drivers.
These relaxations are applicable within the state of Punjab and shall not extend to the containment zones notified by the State Government, she clarified.
“The new restrictions on number of persons plying a Taxi, four-wheelers and cab aggregator, it shall be limited to one driver and two passengers. Likewise, for rickshaw and auto rickshaws, which are properly registered and paying tax regularly, it shall be limited to one driver or puller and two passengers,” said the Minister.
Similarly for two wheelers and bicycles, it shall be limited to one rider or wife and husband or rider with one minor child, said the Minister adding that detailed guidelines in this regard will soon be issued by the Transport Department.