A private company managing the Lahore Metrobus service has declared it will cease all operations starting August 11, citing non-payment of fuel-related dues as the primary cause. The operator has issued a final notice to the Punjab Mass Transit Authority (PMA), stating that its financial resources have been depleted, making it impossible to continue running the Metrobus service.
In a significant development, the company highlighted that a court order issued on July 29 has yet to be enforced, which has compelled it to announce the suspension of services. Although a meeting held on August 6 reportedly agreed on measures to address the problem, the Punjab Mass Transit Authority has not taken any effective action so far.
The operator emphasized that the PMA has failed to pay the outstanding amount for fuel following a rise in fuel prices, placing the company under severe financial strain. It warned that unless the issues concerning fuel supply and pending payments are resolved promptly, the Lahore Metrobus service will be suspended from August 11.
Sources within the company noted that the court had ruled in favor of the private operator regarding the fuel dispute, and multiple notices have been sent to the Punjab Mass Transit Authority previously without satisfactory response.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the Transport Department denied claims of an impending Metrobus shutdown, asserting that no such decision has been made. The spokesperson explained that the dispute with the private operator remains under judicial consideration, with mediation efforts ongoing between both parties.
The Transport Department confirmed that both legal proceedings and mediation are being pursued to find a resolution to the conflict, aiming to maintain uninterrupted Metrobus service for the public.
