Minister promises extensive public transport reform

Transport Minister Austin Gatt yesterday in Parliament gave extensive details of the reforms envisaged for the public transport system in both Malta and Gozo. He said the tender was in the final process of being drawn up and should be published by the end of July, but its distribution throughout Europe would mean just over a year for adjudication.

Answering a number of supplementary questions by opposition whip Joe Mizzi, Dr Gatt said there would be 280 vehicles of various sizes for direct services between large towns, internal services such as inside the Cottonera, and cross-over services between systems. Valletta would not remain the only major terminal; there would be three others.

Buses would have to be up to Euro 3 standards and less than 15 years old. There would be a "strong increase" in frequencies and last trips all over the system would be at 11 p.m.

Minister Gatt said that having a transport system unique to Gozo would mean an annual loss of around €2 million, so it would have to be part of the whole system. The Gozo Bus Owners Association, represented by the GRTU, now seemed to be coming around to the idea and accepting to have talks with the government.

He said that patronage of the public transport system was now down to 30 million a year, which was very low. The only way to convince people to patronise the system again would be through a better service all around. This was also the only other way to fight traffic-caused pollution besides having more fuel-efficient transport with fewer emissions.

If EU rules did not allow the Public Transport Association to be awarded the contract for 10 years, the government had promised to pay compensation to the association.

Minister Gatt said there would be an intelligent traffic management system to control the present whereabouts of any individual public transport vehicle.

Bus fares would be part of the system determined by the ADT, and a new system was currently being worked out. It would be akin to the very successful system on Gozo Channel, and would entail the least change to regular users and somewhat more to irregular users.

The location of new bus shelters would be determined by the ADT on request by respective local councils or by the contractor.

Answering more supplementary questions by Mr Mizzi, Minister Gatt said the government would be ready to buy older or sub-standard buses from their owners as part of the compensation promised to the PTA.

Talks with Gozo taxis had been concluded, and others were ongoing separately with vans, coaches and white taxis in Malta. The latter were close to conclusion.