New bus system 'in place next year'

The new public transport system, which is intended to place the commuter at its centre, will be up and running next year, Transport Minister Austin Gatt promised yesterday as he unveiled the new routes of the proposed system.

All roads will no longer lead to the grubby Valletta bus terminus as several nodes will be set up in different localities, while the number of buses in use will actually be drastically reduced.

Dr Gatt explained that the final aim of the reform was to benefit the commuters and the country. The aim was to lessen the use of private cars, increase patronage and reduce pollution.

This, he said, was "a radical reform that the country had long been waiting for and which would change people's lifestyle and improve the economy".

The tender document with details of the government's plans will be presented tomorrow to the five consortia which have expressed interest in taking over the service. Originally there were eight but three did not qualify to the next stage of the process.

Manuel Delia, the ministry's head of secretariat, explained that while the current network covered 25 million kilometres a year, the new network would cover 43.2 million in winter and 46.7 million in summer.

But there will be no need for more buses to cover this extended network, only more drivers. At present, Maltese buses on average are used only for 12 per cent of the time they are available (usually because most drivers own their bus). The reformed system aims at increasing the use by up to as much as 85 per cent, through the shared use of buses by multiple drivers on different shifts.

Moreover, park and ride facilities will be introduced at Floriana, Luxol and Marsa to complement the new public transport system which will run between 5.30 a.m. and 11 p.m.

As for the night service, the government is expecting the bidders to make their offers, with the one offering the most comprehensive one getting extra points in the adjudication process.

Mr Delia said there would be a modern fleet with low-emission buses of different sizes. A service to peripheral destinations and express services would also be introduced, linking places which are not at present serviced.

Apart from Valletta there would be hubs in other areas including Buġibba, Birkirkara, Mosta, Mater Dei, Luxol, Marsa, Paola, Rabat and the airport. The network would have four tiers - main, cross, feeder and express lines.

The reform, Mr Delia said, wanted to introduce punctuality, reliability, smooth interconnectivity and timetables at every bus stop.

Dr Gatt said the main aim behind the reform was to increase patronage by improving the level of service. The plan was to conduct another survey after a year to see if the new system was working.

Questioned about the viability of the new services, Dr Gatt said that according to calculations made by the ministry, the routes were sustainable.

Replying to another question about discussions underway with present bus owners who, in line with the government's promise, are going to be compensated for being made jobless, Dr Gatt confirmed that "cordial" meetings were still being held.

Dr Gatt will today announce the government's planned pricing structure.

Road to efficiency

• Multiple hubs
• New destinations
• Kilometres covered will nearly double
• Fewer buses but more drivers
• More park and ride facilities
• Day bus service between 5.30 a.m. and 11 p.m.
• Express and night services
• Low emissions