Foreign students 'ripped off' by some bus drivers

Foreign students learning English in Malta claim they are being ripped off by bus drivers who charge them exorbitant fares even on very short routes.

In some instances they have been charged up to 90c for a 15c trip between Paceville and Ibrag.

One of the host families felt they had to come forward to voice students' concerns over the exorbitant public transport fees - a situation which occurs year-in year-out, they said.

"Most of these students are still young teenagers who will nod and comply with any authority without asking any questions, even if it's a bus driver," the host family said.

The family said that when the students, who come to Malta to learn English, arrive, they immediately warn them to ask for the bus ticket as a form of a receipt, to reduce the chance of being overcharged.

Despite these warnings, the students still have to face the wrath of some bus drivers who are once again sullying the reputation of this occupation as well as of the island's friendly reputation.

"Just last week, a French girl staying at our house - who is very independent and well aware of what goes on around her - was asked to pay 80c from Ibrag to Cirkewwa, instead of 40c," the family said.

"When she queried this, she was told to pay the fare or get off the bus. She demanded a ticket and she got two, covering the charge," they said.

In some cases, students said they were having to draw the attention of bus drivers to give them change. They complained that some bus drivers would take a long pause in the hope the student would sit down and they could pocket the change.

The host family said it was unfortunate that due to a few irresponsible drivers all bus drivers were getting a bad name and damaging the hospitality industry in Malta.

The family appealed to the authorities to take note of the situation and ensure that bus rates were visible for all to see, making it easier for these youngsters to put forward their complaint.

Malta Transport Authority (ADT) spokesman Daniela Borg Mizzi said when contacted the authority did receive complaints of overcharging from foreign students.

"However, more often than not they send in the complaint after they have left the island, which makes it harder for the authority to take action. We would also need the person to take the witness stand," she said.

Ms Borg Mizzi said the authority was committed to promoting the use of the bus card because, among others, it could serve to minimise this problem.

The authority was very sensitive and aware of the overcharging problems foreign students faced and Ms Borg Mizzi said enforcement officers intervened if they happened to be on the spot.

However, enforcement officers were disillusioned by the fact that the fines for overcharging did not always serve as a deterrent, she said.

Ms Borg Mizzi did point out there was also a flip side to the situation and the authority did receive glowing letters of praise on bus drivers from satisfied commuters.