A recent conversation in Brussels between a spokesman for the European Union Commissioner for Transport and a Malta government representative went something like this:

EU spokesman: "So will this reorganisation of public transport cause the public to make less use of trains?"

Malta government representative: "We have no trains in Malta."

EU spokesman: "Will they decrease the use of your trams?"

Malta's representative: "I am afraid we have no trams."

EU spokesman: "So will people take to taxis?"

Malta's representative: "We only have 200 or so registered taxis and I'm afraid they're beyond the means of the average citizen."

EU spokesman: "So will your people take to walking more or cycle?"

Malta's representative: "I regret to inform you that this is impossible due to the shameful state of our roads and pavements."

EU spokesman: "So why reorganise your public transport?"

Malta's representative: "Simple. To raise all bus fares!"

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