Ensure below 50 per cent occupancy in buses post lockdown: TN govt

Chennai, May 7 () The Tamil Nadu government onThursday instructed State transport undertakings to ensurebelow 50 per cent passenger occupancy in buses after theCOVID-19 induced lockdown ends and services resume.

In a circular to STUs, the government listed theStandard Operating Procedures for the post lockdown period andasked the authorities to follow the SOP without fail.

"Maximum allowable total passenger capacityshould be below 50 per cent," the SOP said, adding theprovision for seats and standing locations for passengers mustmaintain social distancing.

Disinfecting buses after completion of everytrip, avoiding use of air conditioners, ensuring masks,separation of space between the driver and commuters are theother norms outlined.

Notably, the authorities have been asked topromote QR code based payments, and other methods of e-payments like PayTM, Google Pay and Jio Pay for ticketingpurposes.

The SOP is for the post lockdown times and thecurrent third nationwide shutdown phase -which includes a banon public transport- is scheduled to end on May 17.

Only special trains for the benefit of stranded guestworkers are currently operated in Tamil Nadu and other partsof the country. VGN BNWELCOME BNWELCOME