ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Daily commuters have been reporting that the metro bus service has been suspended at a few stations, reportedly because staff salaries were not paid.
Reports that are circulating on social media are now saying that the Metro Bus services in the Islamabad and Rawalpindi sections are facing disruption, which started early morning, and it is said to be linked to a sit-in protest by Metro staff over alleged non-payment of salaries.
Passengers have been advised to try alternate travel options, because there are worries that services could stall again during peak morning hours.
Last week, in another development, there was a fire that broke out in the engine compartment of a metro bus travelling from Islamabad to Rawalpindi.
That incident created panic among passengers, but there were no injuries reported. Media reports say the episode happened while the bus was en route during peak travel hours. Smoke was first noticed near the rear engine area, after that the driver stopped the vehicle right away and told passengers to evacuate.
Eyewitnesses said passengers hurriedly left the bus as flames and thick smoke spread from the engine area. Rescue teams and firefighters arrived shortly after being alerted and managed to control the fire before it could engulf the full vehicle.
The incident happened on a busy stretch of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metro Bus route, near the Faizabad Interchange, which is one of the twin cities’ busiest transport hubs.
