The Transport Ministry yesterday welcomed the Public Transport Association's willingness to co-operate with the government on reforming the sector, but said it would not enter into direct negotiations with the association because doing so would breach EU rules.

The ministry emphasised that suggestions made by the association would be considered as improvements that the sector would take upon itself to implement so as to be in a position to compete for the provision of public transport in Malta.

Reacting yesterday to reforms unveiled by the government last Friday, the Public Transport Association yesterday expressed dismay at the lack of consultation.

The government is proposing to cut the number of buses by 50 per cent and introduce hubs in different localities to take the bulk of buses away from the chaotic Valletta bus terminus. The service would be more regular and would take into account the urban development of recent years.

The association said in a statement: "As we have always done in the past, we are prepared to work with the government and the Malta Transport Authority to introduce new routes because we believe that these should be designed to meet the demands of passengers."

The association also called on the government to announce the fares or subsidies that will accompany transport reforms.

The ministry's response did not reveal any figures relating to fares or subsidies but insisted that it would welcome any initiative taken by local entrepreneurs with vast experience in the provision of public transport to continue to offer services once the sector has been reformed.

The ministry said the new proposals were based on complaints in relation to the existing system: No connection between neighbouring villages; a lack of proper information and of punctuality; inefficient bus ticketing; impolite drivers; and buses that are old, grimy and polluting.

The government is proposing buses of various sizes and engines that are Euro III compliant, as well as electric and low-floor buses, insisting that an efficient public transport system was fundamental to the country's economic and social success.

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