I am writing with regard to the possibility of a foreign company tendering an acceptable contract to run the bus transport network.

I do have some knowledge in this field as I was employed in the transport industry in Lancashire, UK for about 12 years .

For what it's worth, I will list the main advantages:

1) The company coming to Malta will be, or should be, a very experienced organisation and will endeavour to keep the passengers' interests uppermost in order to preserve its reputation.

2) This company will insist on staff discipline, that is, staff uniforms, staff cleanliness, bus cleanliness, passenger safety.

3) Inspectors will be trained to uphold their rules and reprimand (book) drivers who disregard them.

4) Wrongdoing may mean (as in other countries) issuing wrong tickets, not issuing tickets, giving the wrong change, using mobile phones while driving, missing scheduled routes, etc.

5) Passenger complaints will be taken seriously and investigated and offending buses traced.

6) Bus emissions above set levels will not be allowed on the road.

All the above (and more) may appear harsh but these reputable companies require to uphold their reputation and, therefore, gain public respect . Perhaps the penalty for such a service to the customer will be an increase in bus fares. However, as Malta's bus fares are at present well below those in other countries, I feel this may be acceptable for an efficient service.

I am also confident that any incoming company will endeavour to retain drivers who agree to their rules. They would, in turn, have much better working conditions, a regular wage and, hopefully, gain self- and public respect.