Three bus ticketing machines stolen

The Malta Transport Authority has launched an investigation into the theft of three of the new bus ticketing machines over the past few weeks, sources close to the authority said.

The sources said the authority had received "reliable information" that two of the stolen machines had been thrown into the sea, and it knew where they were. The third was found on another bus.

It is believed that the authority will be making an attempt to recover the machines from the sea.

The machine incorporates an electronic chip that records the takings from bus fares. The chip records the transactions which are then downloaded at the authority depots in Valletta, Sliema and Qawra every four days or so. Bus operators then refund the money to the authority.

The sources said the authority had informed the police of the three cases and had instructed them to investigate and take criminal action against those responsible for the thefts.

Last month the authority suspended a bus owner driver from operating his bus pending the outcome of investigations into the reported theft of a ticketing machine from his bus.