A private firm may suspend Lahore Metro Bus operations from August 11. Rising fuel costs and unresolved disputes triggered the decision.
The company operates the 27-kilometre Gajjumata-Shahdra route. However, negotiations with the Punjab Mass Transit Authority failed to resolve key financial concerns.
The company has now issued a final notice to the PMA. Meanwhile, the authority accused the firm of pressuring the government through the suspension threat.
PMA officials said they would challenge the court verdict against the authority. They also plan to invoke the contract’s arbitration clause.
Company Demands Fuel Supply Under Court Order
The company referred to letters dated July 31 and August 4. It said the PMA had not responded to either communication.
Company representatives also met PMA officials on August 6. The meeting focused on implementing the court’s July 29 orders.
The court directed the PMA to provide fuel through its own sources. However, the company said it had exhausted its financial resources.
Therefore, the firm claimed it could no longer finance continued operations. It also demanded uninterrupted fuel supplies from the authority.
The PMA said it could not decide without receiving government directions. Officials reportedly promised to propose a solution after the meeting.
Metro Service Faces Suspension From August 11
However, the company said PMA officials never communicated any solution afterward. Consequently, it warned that operations would stop unless fuel supplies resumed immediately.
The company also rejected responsibility for any resulting disruption. It said PMA’s failure to follow court orders would cause the suspension.
The firm further warned that PMA would bear operational and financial consequences. It also reserved its position regarding potential legal consequences.
Meanwhile, the dispute threatens to disrupt daily public transport across Lahore. Thousands of commuters could face difficulties if the service stops.
Both sides now face pressure to resolve the dispute before August 11.
