Punjab's transport owners refuse to resume service under SOPs.

LAHORE -- Intercity public transport couldn't be resumed on Monday after the transport owners refused to follow the standard operating procedure (SOP).

The situation disappointed many people who reached bus terminals at Badami Bagh, Yateem Khana and Jinnah Terminal (near Thokar Niaz Beg).

'I wanted to proceed to Multan, but I couldn't find any bus at any terminal on Bund Road,' Hasan, a passenger, toldDawn.

'I reached a terminal at about 12pm after I heard that the government allowed transporters to resume their bus operation,' he added.

According to All Pakistan Transport Owners Association Chairman Asmatullah Niazi, the resumption of bus operation was not possible under the SOPs finalised by the government.

'In a situation where the government wants us to run buses with 50pc passenger occupancy and discount in fares, we are unable to run buses,' he explained while talking toDawnon Monday.

He said the government shouldn't press the transport owners to offer discount in fares along with 50pc occupancy for social distancing.

Talking toDawn, Punjab transport...