Unscheduled bus service to be liberalised from tomorrow

Max Bartolo

May 20th 2009, 16:42

A positive change in my opinion. In the long run, this will hopefully result in a better service at possibly lower costs. The points system for infringements is also a positive idea and will hopefully eliminate any rash behaviour from the extreme minority which, unfortunately, may have tainted this sector's reputation in the past.

Max Bartolo
http://www.maltacarmarket.com

Victor Spiteri

May 20th 2009, 09:30

Again, along the same train of thought; This is another liberalisation without any consultation and NO assessment on the present market. Everithing seems to be like the liberalisation of the Motor Hearse with a big bunch of disadvantages for the commuters.

Again, irresponsible Transport Minister Austin Gatt, did the same as he did after the few months of the Motor Hearse liberalistaion, and when asked what benefits there were for the commuters he replied arrogantly that they will be given a free coffin with every funeral.
With regards to this proposed liberalisation Dr Gatt replied “I am not the office for Fair Trade". This statement gives some serious thoughts and questions: Is this liberalisation intended for the benefit of the commuters, OR for the benefit of the friends around the Minister??

gaffarena joseph

May 19th 2009, 21:42

At last,we are going to see our kids going to school at the exact time, and not 2 hours before,because of the shortage of mini buses.
you have to be there to beleave our kids going 2 hours, sometimes on a rainy day, because the driver will have trips on the same time, and let our boys/girls,outside their school.
You have to beleave that for a 5 minute trip,we have to pay 65euros,otherwise you will not find transport for them.By, six in the morning,you see our kids waiting for the transport,and their school will open at 7,45am.
Now, we will have more buses,and more from where we can choose.
Well done,austin,

m borg

May 19th 2009, 20:36

EU is doing it's best in order to help SME's. One of the main issues at EU level is to remove barriers to entry into business and reduce the fees as much as possible!

Malta, although in the EU is doing other things!


Simon Busuttil, David Casa, Louis Grech, John Attard Montalto and Glenn Bedingfield........June 6th is round the corner!!

It's about time that you speak out about this discrimination at EU level, otherwise you will find yourselves on the dole............oh, i forgot, you earned quite a lot in these last years!!

Darren Chetcuti Vella

May 19th 2009, 15:56

Please note that the existing operators have paid similar fees for permits years ago when they started out their business. It is only fair that new operators are subject to the same fees.

Galea. L

May 19th 2009, 09:41

I suggest to MEP's and the EU Representation to take the issue to the Commission because this is nothing more than a barrier to new entrants to the service to protect the old operators.

I also suggest to new entrants to the service to take the issue up with the EU Commission.

J Oatmon

May 18th 2009, 19:00

This is not librelisation it is protectionism of existing operators. These incredibly expensive 'start up fees' are there to stifle real competition (possibly at the insistence of existing operators). The EU needs to act on this and direct Malta to remove these artificial barriers to competition, so consumers (passengers) get a better deal.

Joseph Brincat

May 18th 2009, 17:53

You have done it again! Instead of solving the bus service problem, you have worsened things. Don't you remember the last strike? Expect more from tomorrow.

Paul Barrett

May 18th 2009, 17:35

*an entry fee of between €11,000 and €31,000".
Plus cost of vehicle, plus road tax licence, plus insurance, plus fuel costs, plus vehicle inspection and maintenance costs plus driver wages, national insurance plus income tax plus VAT. There may also be other costs like an annual registration fee and operator licence fee?
This should really drive down the price of group transport to the customer and also drive down the use of private cars - I don't think.

Charles Zammit

May 18th 2009, 16:21

Liberalised from tomorrow! That's quick! Is it really a liberisation if there 's a 6 years transition period? Who wants to start in this business and pay an extra €14430 for a 15 seater or a €29000 for a 40 seater coach. Shame on ADT and the Minister for never mentioning this issue with the white window van owners.

Is this the way consultation goes, sitting round a table pretending that we're discussing and than do put forward a legislation which is totally the opposite.

Let the Authorities introduce new fees and taxes and let the operators put up their prices. I feel sorry that at the end the one that will be suffering is no one but the consumer.

Have a nice day!

Galea. L

May 18th 2009, 15:57

Why do new entrants have to pay an entry fee of between €11,000 and €31,000, depending on the number of seats in their vans?
How could they keep prices down when faced by such fees?
This only shows that the government is only after the money to fill Malta's empty coffer and nt because it really believes in liberalization.

Patrick Cilia

May 18th 2009, 15:14

Another tangible improvement that will benefit both the tourist and local visitor. Now the driving force here will be the value for money and quality of service that must dictate market trends and direction.

gino galea

May 18th 2009, 15:05

will gozo be included?