VEDA Transit Solutions, the private operator of Lahore’s 27-kilometre Gajjumata-Shahdara Metrobus route, has decided to postpone its planned suspension of operations as talks with the Punjab Mass Transit Authority (PMA) continue.

The company had announced that it would suspend the service from August 11 after serving a final notice to the PMA. VEDA had referred to its letters dated July 31 and August 4, as well as a meeting with PMA officials on August 6 regarding the implementation of a court order issued on July 29.

According to the company, it had exhausted its financial resources and was unable to continue operating the service under the existing circumstances. During the August 6 meeting, PMA officials reportedly said the authority could not make a decision without receiving directions from the provincial government.

Although the meeting ended with an understanding that the PMA would propose a possible solution, VEDA said it did not receive any concrete proposal or financial arrangement afterward.

Despite the unresolved dispute, VEDA has now decided to keep the Metrobus service running while negotiations continue. The company said discussions with the PMA would continue until an acceptable solution is reached.

A senior VEDA official said rising diesel prices had further increased financial pressure on the operator. The official added that the existing formula used to calculate fuel costs does not fully cover the company’s actual expenses.

The latest decision prevents an immediate disruption to thousands of daily commuters using the Lahore Metrobus system.