AD calls for public transport liberalisation

Alternattiva Demokratika expressed concern over the continuing decline in the number of people using public buses, as shown by figures published by the Malta Transport Authority.

Revenue from ticket sales between September 2001 and last August reached Lm5.08 million compared to Lm5.31 million in the same period the previous year.

"The public transport system needs a complete overhaul and not superficial improvements. The government should not bow to the pressure of the bus driver lobby and should carry out reforms with the aim of restoring public confidence in this sector," the Green Party's spokesman for transport and economic affairs, Noel Agius said in a statement.

"AD believes that the state should guarantee a better public transport service while allowing private entrepreneurs to operate in this sector. The state should provide a decent, disciplined and punctual service which caters for better times and for more routes than at present. AD is also in favour of the liberalisation of this sector so that the consumer would have more choice. Through liberalisation other operators, apart from the state, should be allowed to operate in this sector .

"Liberalisation would also cater for more local and more specific needs such as panoramic routes, transport to entertainment venues and shuttle transport services on a local or district level."

He also called on the government to take courageous and firm decisions in this sector.

"The fact that in the last 10 years the number of public transport patrons has dropped by 21 per cent is significant. The fact that there are 34 new private cars every day shows that as long as our public transport system remains in shambles the number of private cars will continue to increase and so will pollution, congestion and traffic accidents."