Bus drivers want talks with government, regulator

The Public Transport Association has called for talks with the Transport Ministry and the Malta Transport Authority (ADT) with a view to resolving the dispute over bus emission tests.

The association said it was standing by its directive to bus owners not to take their buses for emission tests until it was assured that those carrying out the tests were suitably qualified.

The ADT appealed to the association to ensure that all its members abide by the law.

No talks were reported yesterday over the issue which revolves around who should be at the wheel when emission tests are carried out on buses.

On the one hand, the ADT insists that it has qualified officials to test the buses while the PTA wants to ensure such officials are really qualified to carry out such tests.

It also wants bus drivers to be behind the wheel during the tests.

The association said it had been complaining with the ADT for several months over the way the emission tests were conducted. This, therefore, was not a case of defending a particular bus driver.

It said that if the government were really concerned about the health hazard of emissions, it should abide by an agreement reached in 1995 providing for the replacement of the old buses.

The ADT said it could not accept the excuse that buses emitted black fumes because they were old. All buses are tested regularly and pass the vehicle roadworthiness test. Excessive emissions result from alterations or additions (to fuel), done after the VRT test.

In fact, the ADT added, a bus that would have failed the emission test in the morning would run normally when it is taken for a second test on the same day.

The ADT said it had no difficulty to allow the PTA to inspect the certification of those conducting the emission tests on its behalf.