Bus fares hike exemption applies to students under 16

Talks are underway to determine whether the increase in bus fares announced in last month's budget could be waived on the direct routes to the university, a spokesman for the Malta Transport Authority (ADT) said yesterday.

A 5c increase in bus fares was announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi in his budget. Dr Gonzi said the increase does not apply to elderly people on presentation of their Karta Anzjan and to school children who have a special pass issued by the Public Transport Association.

A reader however complained to The Times (see page 9) that when he asked the ADT whether his daughter, a student at the Junior College, would be eligible to pay student rates, he was told that students attending the Junior College and the university "were not considered students and would therefore have to pay the higher fare".

When contacted, the ADT spokesman confirmed that only school children aged 16 and under and the elderly are exempted from the increase. These pay a tariff of 10c on presentation of their respective cards.

However, the spokesman said, negotiations were underway to see whether the fares could be waived on the direct routes to the university.