Operators of China's unlicensed buses and other public transport are facing tough new penalties in a crackdown to curb the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
The Ministry of Communications and the Ministry of Public Security issued a joint circular Sunday ordering local transport and public security authorities to adopt tougher measures on illegal public transport.
The circular said unlicensed vehicles had become a major problem undermining China's fight against SARS, especially in rural areas.
The crackdown would be carried out from May 20 to Aug. 20, the circular said.
The circular ordered local public transport departments to adopt stricter disinfections procedures. Every bus, before entering a station, had to undergo complete disinfections.
The circular ordered local bus stations to be equipped with electronic infrared thermometers to check the temperatures of passengers.
Passengers should board vehicles within the station and report their names and addresses, said the circular.
The circular also required the media to publicize information to encourage passengers to ride in disinfected vehicles.
According to the circular, local transport and public security departments would strengthen checks on key roads and vehicles. If caught, operators of vehicles without licenses would be subject to very severe penalties.
(People's Daily May 19, 2003)
