Alok Mishra
Patna: Public Transport vehicles would operate within the state from June 1, 2020. A directive to this effect was issued by State Transport department after the meeting of crisis management group here on May 31, 2020. Transport Secretary Sanjay Agarwal has issued directives to all the DMs, SSPs, and SPs to ensure smooth operation of public transport system.
Agarwal said that buses and all public transport vehicles would operate under ‘one seat-one person’ norm. He said that plying of
e-rickshaw and auto-rickshaw would not be allowed in containment zones of state. Plying of taxis, Ola and Uber would not be allowed in
containment zones, he pointed out adding that there would not be any hike in fare.
Regarding operation of buses, Agarwal said that bus owners would have to ensure washing and cleaning of vehicles regularly. He said that after every trip, they would ensure sanitisation of buses. He said that the driver and conductors of buses would wear clean dresses, masks and gloves during journey. He said that posters regarding devices of safety from COVID-19 should be pasted inside and outside vehicles. He said that pamphlets provided by respective district administration should be distributed among passengers. Compliance of social distancing would be ensured at the time of boarding getting down from buses.
He said that not a single passenger would be allowed inside buses exceeding the prescribed number of seats. Sanitisers should be available inside these buses, he added. Regarding duty of bus drivers and conductors, Agarwal said that they would provide sanitiser to every passenger for cleaning his hands before entering inside buses. He said that they would also ensure cleaning of buses regularly and after every trip.
Regarding the role of district administration, the Transport Secretary said that district administrations concerned whould provide adequate number of policemen with magistrates at every bus/taxi stands under their jurisdictions. This team would see that all guidelines regarding social distancing and cleaning are being followed, he pointed out. Regarding passengers, Agarwal said that during journey, passengers should either wear masks or cover their faces. He said that permission would not be given for travelling if the passengers do not wear maks. Before boarding a bus, passengers should use sanitisers, he pointed out, adding that they should maintain social distancing while boarding and getting down from buses.