Transport reform: bus owners have no veto - ministry

G. Curmi

May 24th 2009, 13:15

@ James Schembri

Those decrepit buses do not belong on our roads; they are health and safety hazards. If you want some of them restored – fine. Have some restored; then put them in a museum and scrap the rest. As for the “drivers” who “operate” them - the ones who terrorise everyone with their “I own the road” attitude; who drive recklessly, and treat their passengers with disrespect - they deserve to be fired.

The discussion here is about the dreadful “bus service” that we have endured for years. Your latest comments about pollution have nothing to do with the topic of this discussion. They are symptomatic of the tactics employed by people who switch topics during a discussion when they have nothing more useful to contribute to the discussion. Please limit any further comments to the topic at hand. While you raise some valid points about environmental protection, if you wish to comment about pollution and the environment, do so in another discussion.

One thing remains unchanged - we deserve a decent, efficient, publicly-owned bus service, operated by an autonomous government corporation, equipped with clean well-kept buses, and staffed by courteous well-trained bus drivers.

James Schembri

May 22nd 2009, 21:52

@ G. Curmi
Another one - the government, so far, has done nothing to minimize pollution in Malta - they just want to scrap the buses and sack the drivers in their 'today I will pick on you'
tactics. We need a good modern system,agreed, scrapping all the old buses isn't a wise solution - we should keep a certain number and store the rest - leaving the restoration with capable people

1) Nothing being implemented for collection of wasted fresh water and desalinization of water - one of the most energy consuming processes

2) Nothing is being invested in alternative sources of energy - No solar panels, no wind farms, - just talk talk so all of us will just fork out more taxes on the the current oil power stations

3) Illegal scrapyards and construction are rampant - not to mention all the dust coming from this industry - does this not fit in your cancer of asthma analysis or not?

By the way - Marsa power station as we know it dates to 1956 in part - chop it down for us will you?

James Schembri

May 22nd 2009, 21:36

@ G. Curmi

You get us wrong all the time, I am not saying that Malta is to remain with the old buses, we deserve a modern fleet but at the same time the old buses deserve restoration, possibly to be used on tourist routes, don't you think? It will provide Malta with more income from the tourist sector.

When you consider that most of Malta's heritage is being lost, rapidly, even the temples which you mention - are simply left to the elements, Historic Buildings lost, Malta will have nothing to show to visitors apart from rows and rows of concrete 'cells' and bad roads.

Also I did not say that there is no vehicle or bus to put it this way that causes pollution, but many of the older bus owners are making effort to comply. At the same time, no effort is being made by the government to provide pollution free energy sources for example - the only solution is a 'new oil turbine' - great idea - and lets cut down all the trees that use CO2 to help matters - another fantastic government idea - happening all the time

G. Curmi

May 22nd 2009, 18:33

@ James Schembri What “road heritage”? You make the decrepit buses sound like something of historic significance comparable to our Neolithic temples. How interesting of you to inform us that “the old buses having new engines replaced ...” It reminds me of the old adage, “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow's ear”, in Maltese “Traqqa' il-pannu bil-qara' aħmar.” Do they plan to change also the gearboxes, suspensions, braking systems, dashboards, and seats? Oh, never mind. You write that, “there are plenty of Maltese people and tourists who enjoy these vehicles.” How many people constitute “plenty”? A survey of the Maltese public would provide you with the sound proof needed about the strong dissatisfaction the public has for Malta’s “bus service”. Did you read the posts at this website during last year’s outrageous strike? They provided an insight into the public’s disapproval for Malta’s sub-standard, antiquated “bus service.” The mind boggles at your leap of “logic” when you address the matter of pollution by implying that since there are other sources of pollution, we should tolerate the cancer-causing fumes produced by what you call buses. Give us a break will you please?

G. Curmi

May 22nd 2009, 16:23

@ J. Tonna

You are clearly misinformed when you write, “the drivers are not the ones that have to be held responsible, its (sic) the ADT.” and “… the ADT is the state corporation that operates …” Bus owner/drivers own and operate the buses, and it is their responsibility to keep their buses roadworthy, clean, and non-polluting. The ADT regulates but does not operate the “bus service”, while the ATP operates the “service”. Read the ADT Act at this (http://docs.justice.gov.mt/lom/legislation/english/leg/vol_7/chapt332.pdf) link and visit the ATP website at http://www.atp.com.mt/atp/servlet/ControllerServlet?action=loadUserPage&userPageName=mainPage for more information.

What a sideways leap in logic you present when you write, “as far as I know, the bus owner/drivers are members of the public, just like us …” implying that the bus service is publicly owned. By extension of your brand of “logic”, one could establish that any privately held property, including your home and your car, is publicly owned.

The fact is that bus owner/drivers provide a shabby bus service, have repeatedly held Malta hostage with strikes where they blocked roads, and threatened, harassed, and assaulted people. They have proven themselves unworthy of public trust, and therefore are undeserving to work in public transportation.

J.Tonna

May 21st 2009, 22:24

@ G.Curmi part 2

I hope you enjoy your job as much as I do mine. Maybe I was a bit hard with that comment, I just wanted you to feel how the bus drivers (and the majority of the Maltese workers) do ... with their JOB ENDANGERED.

J.Tonna

May 21st 2009, 22:23

@ G.Curmi

1st of all I never said the service doesn't stink. It does stink, but the drivers are not the ones that have to be held responsible, its the ADT.

2nd, buses aren't the only vehicles that spew out black exhaust fumes, there are trucks and much more private cars that throw out three times as much exhaust then buses do. What do you have to say about them?

3rd, regarding timing. What do you expect them to do?? Fly over the traffic??
Reckless driving?? I know drivers who drive almost dead slow to minimise the damage caused by the bone-jarring roads. Have you ever been in third-world countries and used their public transport? I doubt it.

"What Malta needs is a publicly-owned bus service that is operated as a state corporation"
as far as I know, the bus owner/drivers are members of the public, just like us ... and the ADT is the state corporation that operates. We only lack the EU standards, which in my opinion are to be met by the general public too along with the drivers ecc.

to be continued ...

James Schembri

May 21st 2009, 21:40

@ G.Curmi


The old buses are, like it or not, Mr.Curmi, part of the maltese heritage. While it is true that the system will need improvement, most of the old buses are having their engines replaced to modern standard euro compliant engines such as the DAF range ones.

And there are plenty of Maltese people and tourists who enjoy these vehicles. Removing them will be destroying a big part of our road heritage.

I have sound proof for this which you should seek to obtain before blurting out unknowingly.

And by the way - If you want to see pollution go to:
1) The Marsa Docks and power station
2) The 'state of the art' - black fume belching Mater Dei incinerator or the still used St.Lukes one
3) The Dellimara power station - which all of the south is reaping the black fruits of
4) The Malta Freeport - big polluter!
amongst so many more.

G. Curmi

May 19th 2009, 15:44

@ J. Tonna

Didn't like what I wrote huh? Too bad. The "bus service" in Malta literally stinks from the black exhaust fumes that “buses” spew out for us to breathe. Some “service” you provide; equivalent to or worse than that found in third-world countries. It is hardly ever on time, staffed by rude louts, who often short-change their customers, recklessly driving bone-jarring, carcinogen-spewing rat raps that pollute Malta’s environment

Yes, I do have a job, one you couldn’t possible even dream of being able to do; and I do it better than any bus driver does his. Regarding your comment, “Your boss should give you the notice first thing tomorrow morning.” The Maltese people and government should be giving you your notice - the sooner the better. The time is long overdue for the Maltese people to strike against the bus driver-owners. A couple of weeks off work might do wonders for your perspective. What Malta needs is a publicly-owned bus service that is operated as a state corporation where buses and drivers are required to meet European standards of excellence.

@ S. Maniscalco. Perhaps you might consider learning how to use your spell-checker.

S. Maniscalco

May 15th 2009, 23:48

@ Mario Cortis
The government has already removed those buses who are not up to standard due to their emissions. The vast majority of old buses are very well taken care of, more confortable and cleaner (inside) than the new ones! The most problematic buses are those who are coaches used as buses, they get dirty really easy and mantaining their interior is far more expensive but they are considered "new" relative to the traditional buses and no-one bothers to put pressure on their drivers.

@G.Curmi, the bus drivers had a reason to strike and the government was adviced about the strike so the economic loss is the gov. reponsability! A new private administration means that it will employ new drivers at a minimum wage, most probably immigrants. Try and imagine being promised job guarantee before the election and immediately after you are given a notice! Thumbs up J.Tonna!

Joe Fenech

May 15th 2009, 22:26

The current situation where drivers are bus owner, drivers, in a way 'their own boss' and in charge of cleaning and maintenance of their vehicle does not make sense.

We need 1 company to run the buses where a driver is just a driver. The company needs to have a cleaning and maintenance department. The driver will collect the bus in the morning and leave it to the next driver when they finish their shift.

Frances Abela

May 15th 2009, 20:59

I find Dr Austin Gatt to be very abrasive BUT he is doing a very good job - this hi-jacking of our countrie's public transport cannot go on. Why is there no direct bus service from Marsaskala to Mater Dei hospital?? We have to take a bus to Zabbar and then get another bus after waiting ages in the rain and sun. Why is there no direct bus service to M'xlokk from M'scala? a journey of average 15 mins takes 2 buses and 45 mins!!

J.Tonna

May 15th 2009, 19:50

@ G.Curmi Stop talking!! I wonder what you would do if you have your job endangered ... if you do have one! I can count them on my fingers the buses that can be called as rattle boxes! "(take a look at Italy, Germany, Switzerland … oh the list is too long)" ... how many times did we see on the news about public transport strikes in Italy ecc?? Your boss should give you the notice first thing tomorrow morning! so maybe you'll learn to put yourself in other peoples' shoes before you speak!

Marcello Cauchi Savona

May 15th 2009, 15:25

Listen all you who comment on the uk!!! I really would like you to point out the sources from were you get your info on a bus trip and fairs!!!! When I used to live there, bus fairs although more expensive then here, work out in total to be cheaper when you consider that a ticket is either return to a destination or a day trip!!! Also consider the distance travelled ie petrol you'll have to spend!!!

In Malta compare like with like, salary, also distances and your suggestion to the transport authority of a 2 euro bus ticket is exagerated considering the fact that then there shall be a bigger flood of more private cars on the road!!! As if a trip in a car (execpt if it is fuel hungry) shall ever cost you 2 euro!!!
And those who cant drive with the bus prices you are suggesting, it is cheaper to buy a car for a family member, and tell someone to take you here and there!!!!!
I mean get real do you really want people to continue using the bus service or disabonden it totally!!! Remember the term VALUE FOR MONEY then service!!!!

G. Curmi

May 15th 2009, 14:26

Are not these bus drivers and owners the same ones who brought Malta to a standstill not so long ago, blocked the roads illegally, and assaulted and terrorised people who were going about their legitimate business? The cost of their strike to Malta's economy was enormous. The Minister and the government should quit pussyfooting around with these people by revoking all bus owner permits and removing their unsafe rattle boxes that spew cancer causing fumes into our environment. Then the government should establish a proper bus service patterned after the bus services in civilised countries (take a look at Italy, Germany, Switzerland … oh the list is too long) where the bus service and its assets are state-owned yet administered as a separate state corporation. Why would the government even consider "compensating" bus owners and drivers in view of the economic damage they inflicted on our economy with their last strike?

Nigel Lawrence

May 15th 2009, 05:15

The association said it was never against the reform of public transport---

But did it ever reform? The evidence is there to show otherwise.

James Schembri

May 14th 2009, 23:07

Reform the bus stystem - modernize the fleet but save and restore the old buses - keep them on the roads for tourists and local enthusiasts.

And it's hardly ever the buses that damage roads it is usually the bad roads that create the damage, both to one's car and self. Driving on the road from M'xlokk to Bbuga for instance makes you wonder if we are living in 21st century Malta or the back in time to the WW1 battle of the Somme. It only needs a few tanks and props and the set is complete.

Malta - Boast boast boast = do nothing

J.Tonna

May 14th 2009, 22:55

@ Mario Cortis

Ohh now its the buses that are damaging the roads???

And only the buses cause pollution???

Don't be ridiculous my friend!!

And don't come and say you prefer the latest imported low floor buses and say that they are comfortable! You can't even fit your legs between the seats :/

Steve Borg

May 14th 2009, 22:26

@A Cauchi part 2

Regards to the comment the government is taking tough measure were others failed, I don't agree,they had 25 years to do this and it 's about time to do the reform, by the way 5 years ago the Minister made these owners invest in buying new buses (the king long ones) which are the ones he personally chose and made all the arrangements for them and as consequence promised years of stability and guaranteed these people’s bread and butter. Now Austin wakes up one morning and says reform how he wants!friend to do a reform you need to work with them to find the best way you out(which they are more then willing to do) but he wants it his way! ONE MORE THING, WHY THE GOVERMENT PROMISED PRE ELECTION TEN YEARS OF JOB SECURITY FOR THESE PEOPLE and their families?I ASK YOU AGAIN? Can you please explain? Why do we have to blame these people and their families?
At the end of the day I don't need public transport but we need to start looking at the facts and reality and NOT how all is laid nicely in the media.

Put yourself in other’s shoes!

Steve Borg

May 14th 2009, 22:19

@A Cauchi

Dear Mr Cauchi,

It's true, i would prefer to pay 2 euros and have better conditions, but here we are both being greedy. For a worker on minimum wage (600 euros the lowest in euro countries) who has to pay 10 euros or maybe more due to multiple stops is not fair, As said Is the ADT's fault if there are some old buses and arrogant drivers, that means they are not doing a good job, let me give you an example if you drive without seatbelt and the warden, police etc.ignores you, what would you?, you will do the same next time, so there is no enforcement, please try to register this.

If you open your eyes the government is using the public as an engine to reach his goal!, being to privatize one of the remaining sector (not to mention the many other sectors he privatized) and with some individual’s personal interest, then when the fares will go up we’ll get another excuse and start pointing fingers again. The strategy is working; he is using all the media and his government power to achieve this.

To be continued..

Mario Cortis

May 14th 2009, 19:01

@ S. Maniscalco:

Now come on think serious!!! all those buses harm drastically the environment and even cause lots of damages on our roads. We want less pollution and more comfortable service when using the public transport not because we want to harm our fellow Bus Owners!!!

S. Maniscalco

May 14th 2009, 13:54

And i agree 100% with Andrew Pisani. I catch the airport's bus frequently and tourists always enjoy the ride especially when its a traditional bus!

S. Maniscalco

May 14th 2009, 13:48

But please AFabri realize that.... some 80% of the population do not use public transport at all!
Most of the passengers who experience arrogancy from bus drivers are arrogant towards the bus drivers in the first place! Its not the first time you hear someone attacking the driver pesonally on something which the driver has no blame such as bus route shedules!

Calling bus drivers arrogant has become some kind of "tradition" for us Maltese but I, as a regular bus user, have most of the time experienced good service from the bus drivers.
However a reform is needed but the drivers should be respected as most of them perform their duty well. What should be reformed are the bus routes and some old buses.

Its not fair to call the drivers arrogant just because they had the guts to strike against the government and protect their work. Obviously there are some drivers who do not perform their duty well, but it's the responsability of the authority to have some discipline on the drivers. I guess most of the workers in all kind of sectors will do their duty differently if they are not disciplined, not just bus drivers.

Christian Micallef

May 14th 2009, 13:41

I don't care how much euros the bus owners have invested, they should have invested their money well and keeping in mind that the customer is always first not themselves!

A Cauchi

May 14th 2009, 12:33

@ Steve Borg
I would prefer paying €2.00 and have a comfortable ride in a clean and safe bus, with a smart and educated bus driver and routes running on schedule. As the saying goes 'what you pay you get.' So what do youe expect from paying €0.50c.

At least this government is taking tough measures in areas where previous administrations failed due to the fear of losing votes. After all challenges and decisions all have some opportunity cost tied to it.

Steve Borg

May 14th 2009, 11:36

Let the transport reform take place, I don't use it anyway but please REMEMBER THIS, the tender would probably be given to a friend and i can assure you expect the minimum fare to be at least 2 euro! Rest assured!. Maybe one day we will learn in this country!

The stupid mentality in this country regarding politics is unbelievable, this country is monopolized and who will suffer a the end of the day? the low and the middle class (the consumer!, the user).

The picture this government is drawing regarding public transport to gain public support is great, the good feel factor is fantastic!. What all the ministry wants is to privatize the public transport with some monthly profit! and wait until everything is in place, how he wants then, who we shall blame again for the sky high fare?

Then will be Mea culpa!

The drivers are arrogant; they think they own the island etc... Comments like this might be true, but for everybody's information, there a sort of transport police which is called ADT and its suppose to report and take action against smoking busses, arrogance, over charging. So the question is who is really failing here?

Andrew Pisani

May 14th 2009, 11:01

@J farrugia,
What do you mean 'NO', they were never promised. How do you know?
Where you present at all the meetings?
Did the drivers write the document themselves and later forge Jesmond Mugliet's signature?
I suggest that you forget about the passion you have for your party and see the whole picture
The drivers might not have the same education as most of the people writing here but it does not mean they're stupid or deserve to be discriminated against.
They may be rude at times, but Dr Austin Gatt is not much better.
Many of us were willing to go against Austin Gatt with the electricity bills, because it concerned us but when it comes to other people's business and living, we're the first to send them to the guillotine

Andrew Pisani

May 14th 2009, 10:51

Victor Mamo,
Are you sure you have been abroad? Last time I cought a bus in the UK it cost me 2 pounds 40p for a ten minute journey.

The so called old buses happen to be a tourist attraction here in Malta and I have often seen tourists taking photos of them and riding them for the sake of riding them. Britain is so pround of their London bus and London taxi. But not us. We have to flush away anything Maltese just incase EU realises we are different. We are ashamed of having our own identity.
These buses always get from A to B. I will believe the 'mixed fuel' theory when they actually find someone guilty.
Even if we had brand new buses people wouldn't use them because they're too bothered about their image and how they look in their new car (stuck in traffic)

Lucienne Gatt

May 14th 2009, 07:51

It's a pitty that nobody express any gratitudes to these bus owners that they give a service 7 days a week. Alot of tourists are impressed with our service, paying cheap fares and adore these old buses. If one think that bus owners and white taxi drivers owns the island, there are big brothers that own the island not in this sector. And one has to ask what is going to happen with all these buses, are they still going to be in our roads working as unscheduled services??

Farrugia Andrew

May 14th 2009, 04:15

Well Done to the minister!! Hope that now tax money is not spend for compensation and that the bad service they offered for all this years want be compensated with the money good and honest workers pay in taxes.
Its about time that we have a well structured system which really workers and involves people how are ready to offer the best service. Living in Japan I always questioned why our buses were not like this. Here there are no bus lanes and the buses have to stay in traffic as well during busy ours , yet the time marked on the bus stop is the exact time you will be going on the bus. Its something amazing. In Malta my main objective was to get the car yet here I live and no need to use a car since everything is so convient. Maybe we will learn from better countries and not let the ignorance keeping us from real improvement. We need people who are not scared to take a decision and that the decision reflects studies and common sense.
with this reform one can tackle Enviormental problems and the high number of cars on the maltese roads.
Thanks.

David Mizzi

May 14th 2009, 01:29

As a tax-payer I would really like to see this long-ago promised reform ...

But as well I also would like to see what kind of re-training and employment offers are forked out at these workers... as after all ...behing this bus driver.... I just see two children and a wife whom he has to feed.

If it was you who have your job in trouble ... wouldn't you keep your family in mind ?

The driver's 5 year old daughter is not a creature of a lesser god.

E. Azzopardi

May 14th 2009, 01:19

We have been hearing about "reform" for ages. Get on with it, for goodness sake. The poeple are waiting. And not half baked please!!!!!

R.Gauci

May 14th 2009, 01:14

@ Victor Mamo

It seems you had never been to Dublin Ireland the cheapest ticket here its 1.15 euros and normal one is 2.20 euros and there are services to the airport they even pay 6 & 8 euros,but the service is good new buses etc. and most of bus drivers are very polite not because I am one of them!!

J.Tonna

May 14th 2009, 00:08

A.Calleja, Brian Maloret, and everyone else complaining,

If you think buses are an eyesore then tell me why whenever I go to Valletta I see lots of tourists taking photos with them? And why there are thousands of bus souvenirs in shops around the islands? And why do people come over each year just to see our buses?

And PLEASE stop complaining about the drivers. The majority of them are good guys that give good service, care about their passengers, keep their buses in almost mint condition,and spend a working day with people grumbling and complaining like you. However, there are a bunch of drivers whose arrogance shines out and these need to be tamed down. As was said before, don't put everyone under the same roof!!

The system needs to be changed! If you want a good service FIX THE ROADS in the first place. And stop converting cars to diesel, they smoke 4 times more then buses and trucks and you won't see anything if you're driving behind them!!

P.S, the "new" bus shelters offer NO protection from the elements!

Galea. L

May 13th 2009, 20:50

Victor Mamo
From your post you appear to have never been to Brussels and other European cities.

joseph mallia
What about moral violence mallia?
Have you also forgotten EFA saying that the massive destruction, attacks and burning of PL property were celebration euphoria by PN supporters?

This in no way to say that the service is not to be modernized.

pauline ellul

May 13th 2009, 18:31

@ m.xerri
i am a bus owner and for your information i forked out all the money to buy it. my husband and i keep it in a very good condition and i can guarantee to all of you that your cars smoke more than my bus.
so please dont put everyone under the same roof.

Victor Mamo

May 13th 2009, 17:47

@ Steve Borg

Who says the prices will go up to 2euro? Across Europe there are no such bus fares that are that high. And also, I think most students would welcome a slight increase in prices (not the exagerated circa 300% increase you mentioned) for a better quality and efficient service. By the way, I am a student who uses that bus as my primary method of transportation 4-5 times a day


As for the ATP, you really have no shame thinking you have a veto, do you?

h galea

May 13th 2009, 16:55

Dr.Gatt, my comment is from the passengers, YES we want reform, about standard of buses,reckless driving,respect to passenger at bus stops, and above all not every one is a driver. I give FULL MARKS TO FEMALE DRIVERS it is the only time passengers are relaxed and enjoy the ride. Ladies SHOW that you can do it BETTER thanks for every ride. Dr Gatt we want more of these Expert Drivers.

Renato J. Costigan

May 13th 2009, 14:57

Issa flok strajk qed juzaw l-kelma 'veto'. Tghallmu xi haga.

Il-kelma 'veto' intirtet. Ghamlu xi haga originali.

Charles Micallef

May 13th 2009, 14:38

ATP....PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS REFORM WILL HAPPEN WITH OR WITHOUT YOUR SAY SO, AND PLEASE REMEMBER THAT YOU DO NOT HAVE ANY SUPPORT FROM THE LONG SUFFERING PUBLIC TRANSPORT USERS OR ANYONE ELSE IF IT CAME TO IT.....

Francesca Abela

May 13th 2009, 14:34

Good luck Minister Gatt. You are going to need it in the coming weeks as I foresee the usual opposition, etc. We have now been waiting for over 30 years for a proper transport system and hopefully things will move ahead.

joseph mallia

May 13th 2009, 14:20

@ Jimmy magro

The violence stopped after June 1987, other things go on unfortunately but nowhere as bad as in those times please do note Mr Magro.

Dorianne Mallia

May 13th 2009, 14:09

This is incredible ! So the government is going to compensate redundant bus drivers from the tax monies I have been sweating blood to pay !

In the meantime other people who have been made redundant for a lifetime of work have been laid off without any compensation whatsoever … and here comes the bus owners who have been giving a crap service all along and government wants to offer them compensation ! And this when the EU is initiating excessive deficit procedures against us !
Dr. Gatt, do you know what you are doing?

r ferriggi

May 13th 2009, 13:58

government has to understand that the public,,,, i believe ALL the public,,, expects that the government take many runaway bulls by the horns.

the general transport ( total mess) , the over-manned governmental depts ( non existent customer service) , the parastatal corporations ( big bullies) and especially THE ROAD NETWORK.

no excuses. from my daily discussions,,,, MOST people are fed up and tired waiting. there is general disillusion in we have expected ESPECIALLY post- EU membership.

A. Vassallo

May 13th 2009, 13:53

@ Jimmy Magro

The word "deceived" was mentioned and used by the bus owners and that does not mean that it is true. That is ONLY what the bus owners think.

On your other remark, yes you thought correctly, that deceiving the stakeholders stopped after June 1987. The Maltese people were deceived (and how they were deceived) in 1981 for six whole years when your party governed the people of Malta with the minority the peoples’ support and you stayed glued to the SEATS.

@ Dr. Austin Gatt

Keep it up. We need this public transport reform “il-lejla qabel ghada”

M Xerri

May 13th 2009, 13:47

I do believe that a reform in the transport system is a must both in Malta and Gozo but It is worth making it clear that the case in Gozo is a bit different because they have never received any government subsidy. The bus owners in Gozo have worked hard and paid all the investment themselves. It would be really unjust on them to be simply brushed aside to make way for new bus operators in Gozo.

a.camilleri

May 13th 2009, 13:01

bus owners and white taxi owners need to be put in their place as they think they own the island, good for you mr. austin gatt.

Graham Crocker

May 13th 2009, 12:21

Putting home-made death fuel inside refurbished engines is not an investment, but its a way of creating an unnecessary asthma epidemic. I am not referring to all bus drivers, but its not the first time a bus passes by me blowing thick greyish/whitish smoke smelling of chemicals.

Steve Borg

May 13th 2009, 12:15

Dear non bus user!

Who sit all day comfortably in your office all day and have ample time to browse the internet until you finish work and drive in your nice car with AC home. Do you know that the low and middle class people (ie workers,students etc..) will have to pay a minimum of 2 euros for each trip against the 40c they are paying now? This is no Monaco! people have no EU standard wages but have EU Bills and taxes! so please put yourselves in other people's shoes. there will be no subsidy if the SO CALLED REFORM goes in place it would be a private one with business in mind!

What are your views?

Steve

Brian Maloret

May 13th 2009, 12:02

A.Calleja

Quite right, once the novelty of seeing and travelling on these antiquated buses is gone they become just an eyesore and an inconvenience to travel on. Malta needs and the people deserve a transport system that is fit for the 21st century and not some relic of a system dating back to the 1950's or before. The people also deserve and need a system that is managed effectively in the areas of reliability and punctuality and above all a management structure that will train its staff in good customer care practice something that is woefully lacking in the current system. And of course, a modern bus fleet.

R.Gauci

May 13th 2009, 11:50

To the Bus Owners Association
Do you know that the EU foundations which infact before was called European Community is based on free trade and business making!
I don't know what the Minister promised you ! I can accept everything for him after blaming the poor state of our Roads to the previous Labour Goverment more than 20 years ago!
One thing is clear you should had made your home work much better!!

Paul Barrett

May 13th 2009, 11:41

since the bus owners have invested thousands of euros in this sector," the ATP said.

I thought the taxpayer had invested thousands of euros in this sector ?

A.Calleja

May 13th 2009, 11:37

Dr Austin Gatt, please take those ugly old buses off the Maltese roads. This is 2009 and not 1950.

AFabri

May 13th 2009, 11:29

But please bus owners realize that.... some 80% of the population are not happy with their attitude, arrogance and hence very bad customer service.
If they want to protect their job, they must care for their job.
Unfortunately Unions, Asscociations etc.. they always highlight workers rights, but never mention their obligtaions & good service.

J Farrugia

May 13th 2009, 10:57

No the government never promised a long term contract to the bus owners. it was their arrogance which thought that the government was duty bound to give them the contract for ever and ever amen. But their arrogance has shown them for what they really are. They are giving a bad service to us the commuters. No the PTA will never have the contract and the minister is right in issuing the tender for those who have the best interests of the commuters in their hearts. We have had enough of this PTA. Now is the time to nip her in the bud. Your arrogance is over.

Jimmy Magro

May 13th 2009, 10:51

Deceived?

how come?

I thought that deceiving the stakeholders stopped after June 1987.

J Oatmon

May 13th 2009, 10:47

The bus owners went on strike and showed their disregard for the public - this is a fact.
It seems to me that the bus owners invest the bare minimum they can get away with; and many run obselete smokey buses, with second rate safety because the buses are decades out of date.

It is also evident that very little of the profits have been re-invested in new equipment, the buses are just run into the ground year after year, to give greater profits to the bus owners - the passengers are a much lower priority than the bus owners profits.

A change has to be made in this 'broken discredited system' to give benefits to the bus passengers first and bus owners come second to this - and of course the bus owners will object.

It is not 'rocket science' to drive a bus, or operate decent bus systems, the rest of Europe has been doing very well, for many years, with nice modern, safe well driven buses, and bus companies who obey the law, because they are held legally accountable for any failures.

Malta can do the same.

Mark Galea

May 13th 2009, 10:45

no mentioning of any strike? Usually we hear of strikes before anything else ... guess it is too good to be true ...