ISLAMABAD: The capital administration has asked owners, drivers and conductors of public transport to obey law, respect people and improve their service and condition of vehicles.

Officials of the capital administration told Dawn that the administration had been receiving complaints against public transporters as they were found misbehaving with passengers, not completing route, overcharging and violating traffic rules and not maintaining their vehicles.

Keeping in view the complaints, the administration issued an advisory for the passenger service vehicles in order to provide better and safe transportation to residents of the capital.

The advisory issued from the office of the Islamabad Transport Authority (ITA) secretary said public transport must complete its assigned routes.

ITA releases advisory, issues directives to facilitate commuters

Islamabad Traffic Police will ensure that the routes are completed and in case of violation, permit of that vehicle will be cancelled, it added.

Fare of the public transport plying on routes have already been notified by Islamabad Transport Authority, it said, adding that overcharging will not be allowed and strict action will be taken on violation.

The vehicles running in poor condition will not be allowed to ply on roads/routes, the advisory said, adding that owners are directed to revamp their vehicles within one month.

If any vehicle is found in poor condition after the given time, it will be impounded, the advisory said.

Motor Vehicle Examiner (MVE) will ensure through physical checking that the condition of the vehicle is acceptable and safe to ply on roads including the condition of engine, tyres and overall seating condition, the advisory said, adding that the examiner will be held responsible if any vehicle was found in poor condition.

The front seats in the public transport will be reserved for female passengers and senior citizens will be given priority seats in all transport vehicles, the advisory said, adding that there was complete ban on display of unethical videos/songs in the vehicles and in case of any complaint and violation, strict action will be taken.

The drivers and conductors will treat all passengers with respect and no maltreatment will be acceptable and smoking will be prohibited the advisory said.

All transporters will ensure that Covid-19 SOPs are followed and all passengers, drivers and conductors are fully vaccinated, the advisory said, adding that permission of Islamabad Transport Authority will be necessary for private vehicles to be used as taxis.

Published in Dawn, December 31st, 2021