PTA defies ministry on bus fare increases

The ministry of Transport and Communications yesterday said that there would not be any increase in bus fares. Furthermore, students and elderly citizens will still be able to make use of their passes as usual. "Any changes in bus fares and any other...

The ministry of Transport and Communications yesterday said that there would not be any increase in bus fares.

Furthermore, students and elderly citizens will still be able to make use of their passes as usual.

"Any changes in bus fares and any other conditions related to them can only be adjusted with the permission of the Malta Transport Authority (MTA) with the consent of the Transport Ministry," it said in a statement.

The Public Transport Association on Friday threatened to raise route bus ticket prices by two cents on Wednesday unless it receives payments for ticket subsidies due to it from the MTA.

The association wants to be paid the money due for ticket subsidies, include those given to holders of a Kartanzjan or student pass.

"However, if we do not have receive the payment by Tuesday, we will be left with no alternative but to increase all route bus tickets by two cents," Mr Spiteri said.

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