All NST buses to resume operation starting October 29

October 24, 2020 107 Views No Comment

• To run at 50% seating capacity & follow COVID-19 SOP
• Station officers directed to restructure fares

DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 23 (MExN): The Nagaland State Transport (NST) has informed that all NST bus services would resume operation from October 29 by strictly adhering to Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) guidelines and maintaining social distancing of 50% seating capacity.

In this regard, all the station officers have instructed to observe the followings sevearl while operating the services.

A circular issued by the General Manager, NST informed that in all passenger buses including city buses, the passengers should sit on alternate seats and there should always be a vacant seat between two adjacent passengers sitting. Further no standing passengers will be allowed to travel.

In all passenger vehicles, both the driver and conductor, along with the passengers should wear masks The driver and conductor should make mandatory provision of hand sanitizers for use by the passengers. Only passengers wearing masks must be allowed to travel. All long and short distance travel buses must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before the start of every fresh journey with new passengers.

All bona-fide passengers must mandatorily undergo thermal screening test prior to embarking into the bus. In the event of detection of any passenger with high temperature, the same must not be allowed to travel.

The driver and conductor should mandatorily use appropriate disinfectants and periodically disinfect frequently touched surfaces of the vehicle such as doors and window handles, seats, overhead hand grips etc.

Further, the driver and conductor should not assemble or gather in groups at bus stands.

NST bus services have been suspended since March this year in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. Private buses meanwhile have been running with implementation of COVID-19 protocols, and fare revisions which indicate an increase of over 25 percent to 60 percent from the old rates for private buses.

The NST circular has also directed its stations to restructure the fares in view of the pandemic. (See box)

Source: https://morungexpress.com/all-nst-buses-to-resume-operation-starting-october-29