LAHORE, Dec 31: Punjab Transport Secretary Khalid Mahmood Mela has announced the launch of a programme to teach traffic rules to semi-literate public transport drivers by holding district level training workshops for them.

Speaking at a seminar on traffic rules held at the bus stand of a multinational transport company near the Lahore Railway Station here on Monday, the secretary said that the drivers were to be taught traffic rules under a government plan to provide international standard public transport facilities to the public.

Mr Mela said that the transport companies should arrange complete physical check-up of drivers before recruitment and hire only those found completely fit because a person suffering from any physical or mental disability could not be expected to become a good public transport driver.

He said that the government wanted to make the bus travel comfortable and safe for the public in general and the women, children and the old people in particular. The incidence of traffic accidents could be reduced considerably by making the drivers conversant with the traffic rules.

The seminar was attended by the office-bearers of various public transport organizations and drivers of buses, wagons, taxis and rickshaws.