The Islamabad-Rawalpindi metro was closed since March 23 due to the novel coronavirus
The Metro Bus service in Islamabad and Rawalpindi has been restored after months of closure due to the coronavirus. The service was suspended on March 23. The metro bus service carries between 150,000 to 180,000 passengers daily.
Social distancing norms will have to be exercised in travel with passengers only allowed to seat as per SOPs. No one will be allowed to stand in the bus. Passengers will also be required to wear masks for the length of their journey. Typically buses arrive after every two minutes though now the frequency may need to be increased due to the SOPs.
According to one of the officials from the service, passengers will not be offloaded if they do not have a mask. “Tissues will be provided to passengers who do not have a mask. Though we will not offload the passengers without a mask, he will be instructed to be careful next time,” the official said.
Peshawar BRT ready for launch
The reopening coincides with the much awaited inauguration of Peshawar metro bus project. Prime Minister Imran Khan is the guest of honor at the occasion. The Peshawar BRT project was delayed by more than two years for a number of reasons. It cost has also run over significantly due to the avoidable delays.
COVID-19 numbers fall
During the last 24 hours, the total number of new positive cases is around 750 with ten deaths. As per statistics, over 92% of the approximately 286,000 coronavirus positive have recovered. The death rate in Pakistan from the coronavirus is about 2%, much lower in comparison with other countries in the region. Caution is a must to stay safe as most lockdown restrictions have now been lifted.