Private operator announces Lahore Metrobus suspension from August 11

LAHORE: A private company operating the Lahore Metrobus service has announced that it will suspend all operations from August 11 over the non-payment of fuel-related dues.

The company has sent a final notice to the Punjab Mass Transit Authority (PMA), saying that its financial resources have been exhausted and it is no longer in a position to continue Metrobus operations.

According to the company, a court order issued on July 29 has not yet been implemented, prompting it to announce the suspension of services.

The company said a meeting held on August 6 had agreed on steps to resolve the issue, but said that the Punjab Mass Transit Authority had so far failed to take any effective measures.

It said the authority had not paid the amount owed for fuel following an increase in fuel prices, leaving the operator facing severe financial difficulties.

The company warned that unless the issues relating to fuel supplies and outstanding payments were resolved, all Lahore Metrobus operations would be suspended from August 11.

Company sources said the court had also ruled in favour of the private operator in the fuel-related dispute, while several notices had previously been issued to the Punjab Mass Transit Authority.

Transport department denies shutdown

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Transport department denied reports that the Metrobus service was being shut down, saying there was no such matter.

The spokesperson said the dispute with the private company was currently pending before the court, while parallel mediation between the two sides was also underway.

The Transport department said both legal and mediation channels were being pursued to resolve the dispute.