30 May, 2020 at 1930 hours
Public/Private transport buses shall be allowed to ply within boundaries of the state from 7AM to 7PM. This is stated in an order by Principal Secretary Transport. The order allows movement of buses inter and intra district however on certain conditions. The buses will ply on their respective route as designated, but AC buses will not be allowed. To maintain social distancing only 60% passengers shall be allowed. No standing passenger will be allowed in buses. The order reads that police and administration shall make adequate arrangements for crowd management and law and order maintenance at all bus stands.
The order states that no e- pass shall be required for inter and intra district movement. However for interstate movement e-pass will be required by concerned district magistrate, further read the order.
Clear cut protocols for Bus stand management, buses and staff have been defined in the order.
At bus stands, besides other protocols the entry exit points at bus stands to be jointly managed by police, administration and health officials, Aarogya setu app compulsory, Physical distancing 1 meter shall be ensured while boarding and de-boarding the buses.
Inside the buses all passengers shall have to wear face mask, Only 60% seat to be occupied, other seats to be marked as ‘ Not to be used”. Also other protocols have been stated in the order.
Similarly bus protocol also has been specified in order. Like boarding and de-boarding to happen from rear and front door respectively. Each alternative seat shall be left un occupied. Proper ventilation to be maintained during journey by keeping windows open. Stage carriage can pass through containment zones; however boarding de-boarding of passengers is strictly prohibited, stated the order.
Further the conducter shall wear face mask, gloves, throughout the journey. For driver the order states proper segregation of cabin.
The buses would be allowed to stop en-route for road side amenities, following protocols like sentisation and cleanliness.
“ The order shall be applicable the state of Himachal Pradesh only” clearly states the order. Read the detailed order below:
