Most of the current buses cannot be used following reform

Anthony Neil Pace

Nov 18th 2009, 11:47

1. I think that modernisation is good. and also electric buses are a must.
2. The Pollution that the old buses (even the new ones) give out is just horrendous.
3. Screw the Old British buses, they're nothing but crappy useless Tour buses that were rejected by the british.
4. I also believe that 99% of all of the bus drivers should be fired, and that the rest should be taught hygeine.

5. The buses are horrendously filthy. they should be cleaned at least once a day.

J.Camilleri

Nov 2nd 2009, 18:07

Don't scrap them. Paint them flowery and funky as a tourist attraction ! use them as shuttles if need be. These are quite well known as the famous classic Maltese buses and many tourist love to go on them both for a laugh and fun :) kids says they're bumpy and funny ! In the meantime that would be nice to have some normal and proper bus services.

James Schembri

Oct 29th 2009, 11:12

Please help us save the malta built buses by signing a petition on:


http://www.petitiononline.com/savdbss/petition.html

Thanks,

James - Malta GC

Johann Tonna

Oct 19th 2009, 22:14

@ Stefan Gatt. What difference does it make if I last used the bus yesterday or last year?
The facts are still the same!

As I said before I am in full favor of the reform, BUT the current buses should NOT be destroyed, especially the MALTESE built ones. Some should be placed in a transport museum (if there will ever be one) and some should be retained by their owners for RESTORATION and PRESERVATION if they want to, or sold to who's interested, and believe me, there are interested!!!

joevella

Oct 19th 2009, 19:06

I agree about the reform upgrading of buses and upgrading of smart behaviour of drivers. I feel though we are unfair to those honest drivers who trudge daily on our roads. There exist polite drivers, drivers who recognise daily passengers and wait for them on stage when raining if they see somebody rushing to catch the bus, helping special needs persons. These also exist. How aboout facilites for drivers to rest , have a shower especially in our sweltering heat. Do drivers have adequate rest during the day? A trip from Valletta to Cirkewwa can be very tiring to drivers. There are alot of improvemtns neccessary I agree. I am a healtcare worker at Mater Dei Hospital and would love to see the bus schedule more friendly to workers. If I were to use the public transport regurlary at the moment I have to be on stage at 5:45am to be on time before 7.30 (if I have to take the bus which stops at Mater Dei.)

Daniel Russell

Oct 19th 2009, 12:37

Sorry Ray, it was Mario Camillieri that spoke re the replacement of police uniforms. At the end of the day, everything aside, the police uniforms are visible and everyone knows what they are. Maybe these could be modernised as ours have been. Your reference to colonialism is unfounded because many countries in the world have similar uniforms as the British police founded by Sir Robert Peel was the first major police force. That is another story and not related to the discussion.....

@Johann Tonna
You are correct, the Kinglong and Dennis Dart SLF buses which are in Malta are just as uncomfortable as the older buses. The reason for this is that they are low floor buses and have air ride suspension. The suspension contains liquid nitrogen spheres and air cushioned bags and the fluid is dispersed to retain ride height via a series of pipes interconnected front to rear. Also different to older buses is that the wheels are mounted on spigots and not on a hub as the older buses. On the rough roads across most of Malta the newer buses have a worse ride as the suspension cannot keep up with the movement.

Daniel Russell

Oct 19th 2009, 11:56

@Ray Gatt
I am another Brit who loves to see old buses runnning both here and in Malta and funnily enough some of our old buses from where I live (West Midlands) ended up in Malta. Like others have said, I love their character, like the iconic London buses, but although the really old buses are generally well cared for like the one in the photo, many of the buses, including the new King Long buses have been bashed about and not cared for. When you are paying for a service, you deserve the best and the Maltese should be entitled to the new buses, with Euro V emissions as the reform takes place after its introduction, also hybrid and LP gas/electric buses. In the UK although classic buses are retained for heritage routes, the service buses are brand new Euro V low floor Volvo, Merc and Dennis. West Midlands Transport has just paid £20 million for new double deckers which have wifi and aircon! These replace 20 year old buses!
As for your comment re police uniforms, maybe yes they should be consigned to history, or is that their current appearance??? Several countries have uniforms which look the same!

Stefan Gatt

Oct 19th 2009, 11:19

@ Mr. Johann Tonna.

Seems like you haven't been on a bus for ages.

Malcolm Mifsud

Oct 19th 2009, 11:03

...along with most of the drivers, I would unhesitatingly add.

Daniel Vella

Oct 19th 2009, 10:49

I have to agree with Johann Tonna. Just last week, I had a conference in Sliema, which had around 150 people from all over the world. They all agreed that the Maltese buses were "cool", especially the ones in which you have to pull the rope in orded to ring the bell. Admittedly, they also commented on the amount of smoke they leave behind.

What I suggest is to change the current buses to more be environmentally friendly, but keep the same style

Ray Gatt

Oct 19th 2009, 10:20

@ Mr. Joseph Ellul - would you please elaborate on 'sprechen sie deutsch'.

To all the brits, history's place is in museums, just like colonialism.

Lets get rid of all the junk buses, drivers and all.

Mind you, I'll believe it when I see it.

Johann Tonna

Oct 18th 2009, 19:36

To all of you who think tourists don't care about our buses and our culture ... YOU'RE ALL SO VERY WRONG!! These buses are an important part of our history, and in a place that depends almost entirely from the touristic sector we should SAVE and CARE for everything historical the tourist loves. I know people who come here just for the buses. And Mr David Dalli, tourists don't lough at us when they ride the bus, they lough because they enjoy the trip.
I'm not saying to keep the current buses in service ... far from it, we desperately need a new service with new buses. BUT rest assured when the new buses arrive they will become rattle boxes too shortly after with the status of our roads! Have you ever rode on a bus and bumped and shaked your bones on a new smooth road? I don't think so. Last week I rode on a King Long, new in 2003 that rattled and shaked more than an old bus!! FIX ALL THESE ROADS FIRST, then everyone will stop complaining about rattling and shaking.

Peter Sullivan

Oct 18th 2009, 19:03

@David Dalli and Miriam Camenzuli

Well that couldn't further from the truth! A big proportion of Tourists fall in love with everything that is Maltese... This only happens because they see that it has a a unique character that differs from their own...

Very few tourists would visit Malta once the look and feel of Maltese culture becomes indistinguishible from their own. We mosy protect what makes us unique. Of course, we should be modern but remain unique. We must grow bit we must do it the in the Maltese Mediterranean way. Otherwise the Maltese will become an endagered species.

These are the tourists that will come again and again. And these are the tourists that respect us for who we are and these are the tourists that we need to care about most!

Joe Tonna

Oct 18th 2009, 18:54

Yes who cares about Maltese culture anyway... All they want is a suntan from the beach!

David Dalli

Oct 18th 2009, 16:38

To All those who think we should keep the old buses.WHAT ARE YOU NUTS! Giving up AC, smoother ride and more room, for what?
You think turists love them. Let me tell you something, Turists think there cute, but once on board, they start bouncing up and down and inhaling the fumes, they start laughing. Laughing at us! Sure I think we can keep a couple to use them as tour buses. But lets be real here, like Miriam Camenzuli said, who will ever care about a Maltese bus culture.
I say go ahead, Modernise the fleet and less pollution. I just hope a better system would have more ridership and maybe reduce the volume of private cars on the road. It is getting pretty bad over there. I come to Malta every year, and it's gotten worse every year.

Miriam Camenzuli

Oct 18th 2009, 15:40

This is 21st century transport... Who do you think will ever care about maltese bus culture?...
So why don't we get a bunch of these new glistening Volvo Irizar or Scania Coaches with touch screen internet and Wifi on board and do away these antique busses once and for all...

I can't wait to cuddle up in one of the new ones with AC for a silent bump free ride! They even have a bathroom and coffee machine on board! Wow!

Ing. Morgan Spiteri Staines

Oct 18th 2009, 15:21

Save The (Classic) Malta Bus
=======================
Sign the petition
http://www.petitiononline.com/maltabus/petition.html

We have organised a petition in the hope that many will choose to ask the authorities re-think their plans on what to do with the (oldest and historically valuable) classic Maltese busses... We believe that after they are Totally Overhauled, Serviced, Upholstered, Cleaned, Painted and re-Engined (with modern clean engines) they should remain in service as part of the new bus fleet that will be taking on the task of Malta's public transport infrastructure. Some could even be converted to an electric or a natural-gas drive train.

They should be used to service the oldest of Malta’s villages and add help preserve some of the unfortunately-endangered Mediterranean character that these still have. Let's not lose this important part of Malta's character.

These vehicles have become a signature of the Maltese Islands way of life and they are appreciated by locals and foreigners alike. Yes, they are old but they can be economically brought up to standard. They are also an integral piece of Maltese History which shouldn't be simply cut-up and recycled like common junk...

colin wilcox

Oct 18th 2009, 15:06

@ Nigel Lawrence what i was saying was how can they improve the service if they have to employ he same drivers

J.Abela

Oct 18th 2009, 13:13

...and pigs will fly.

When something is too good to be true...

Raymond Cutajar

Oct 18th 2009, 12:15

There surely is some old unwanted stock of EURO 3 buses somewhere !!
how much extra pollutants are to be emmited in the busses' service lives??
at least leave OUT EURO 3 !!
Mr GATT A do you understand obviousely don't think so therefore get an advice otherwise only the above introduction seems the name of the game
cdhtqt

Claire Said

Oct 18th 2009, 11:53

This is a very good idea.. However personally I think if the bus drivers are a bit more polite it is already a start, we do not need to wait months for this to happen. Of course not all of them are rude, but I use the bus quite frequently, and I hear many bus drivers swearing and being rude, especially to foreigners. Also I work in a hotel and I have had a few residents who commented about this also, one even said that she had very bad experiences on the buses and has a negative opinion when it comes to public transport in Malta... I do not think that we should have to wait for certain bus drivers to learn manners!

Raymond Cutajar

Oct 18th 2009, 11:18

nostalgic lovers please note

It takes much much more than a the most of modern engines to make a proper bus in the present overall circumstances
Chassies dynamics / design determine optimum driver control and comfortable secure handling of such a complicated machine on our congested roads you cannot get these dynamics from old buses please !!! sorry cannot go technical
simply put none of the old buses can match such qualities unless common sense prevails

Stephen Borg Cardona

Oct 18th 2009, 11:16

How about introducing Hybrid Buses and also reducing Carbon Dioxide emissions ?

TRW O'Neill

Oct 18th 2009, 10:51

As M Farrugia mentions , there are too many cars on the roads; it is time that the Police & Wardens , stopped turning a blind eye to drivers using Mobiles whilst driving, plus arrested drivers over the drink limit, get them banned, & make them retake the test, also fine them, this will leave more space for law abiding drivers; this will also send a message to those empted to drive illegally, who know at the moment that there is little chance of being caught, the money will come in handy as well as there will be a lot of it, min' fine at least 100 Euros! QED

Nigel Lawrence

Oct 18th 2009, 05:19

@colin wilcox--

This is something they should've thought about when "improvements to the system" SHOULD have been implemented with each raise in fares, They should've thought about when adulterating the fuel to pollute the rest of us, They should've thought about when displaying the oft reported bad manners and complete disregard to the paying customers. Need I carry on?

Nigel Lawrence

Oct 18th 2009, 05:12

Most of the current buses cannot be used following reform------------

Splendid!

Joseph Ellul

Oct 18th 2009, 01:40

One of the few reasons that I like coming back to Malta ( apart from family ) is the old buses. My kids love them and when I tell them that these will be scrapped, they will surely cry. My grandkids collect models and dream that one day they will come and ride on some of these buses. It is a shame that the politicians have no appreciation of the heritage value of these buses. Malta might as well go the way of the dodo. You might as well start sprechen sie deutch.

William Attard McCarthy

Oct 17th 2009, 23:34

Save The Malta Bus

http://www.petitiononline.com/maltabus/petition.html

William Attard McCarthy

Oct 17th 2009, 23:10

Although the reform sounds like a dream come true, it is a sad day for one of the world's most photographed buses in the world (ref: http://www.flickr.com/groups/buscoachmalta). I have spoken to so many tourists who absolutely love the old bangers... and no, contrary to what has been said below, the old Malta bus does not make us a laughing stock.

The old buses have become an icon, a legend... Yes, PLEASE do something to make them more efficient, etc... (new engines and stuff like that)...but please, DO NOT take them off our roads.

...it would be a sad, sad day in Malta's history.

Daniel D'anastasi

Oct 17th 2009, 22:27

BELIEVE IT OR NOT IN THE CANARIAS (isla de Gran Canaria) THEY HAVE THE SAME BUSES, THEY CALL THEM GUA GUAS. the only difference is the exhaust!

Daniel D'anastasi

Oct 17th 2009, 22:25

any BUS SHELTERS incorporated in the reform?

James Wilcox

Oct 17th 2009, 22:03

This is sad... It's a pity that most of the busses that became a signature of the Maltese Islands will end up scrapped... In reality this was not necessary...

You could have even saved money by simply redoing the upholstery and seating configurations of the old busses and by replacing the engines to make them conform with modern emissions standards...

Some may argue that safety standards could not be met, but I can counter that by reminding that in the end current busses proved to be quite safe over the many decades and the cruise speed of busses needn't (and shouldn’t) be high and there are various ways to limit speed such as mandating the installation of speed-limiting devices..

Tourists and other visitors, by and large, share a positive experience of the look and feel of the old busses... The service might have been crap and surely needed complete rethinking - But the (old) busses?... They are a piece of Maltese History and culture which shouldn't be simply kicked out like junk...

This sounds like another bit short sighted reasoning by the administration...

colin wilcox

Oct 17th 2009, 21:47

are the bus drivers at present self employed or working for family if so why does the new transport provider have to employ them or pay 60000 to get rid of them

M Magro

Oct 17th 2009, 21:06

Thumbs up to anyone working on this project; on paper, this looks to be quite the service, yet I do hope the other, probably less evident factors, are tackled as well.
These include more frequent buses to areas of high demand, and to areas which previously had no, or very little in terms of bus service.
Also, what is of paramount importance, is the regulation of attitude and behaviour of the bus drivers. They shouldn't just have basic knowledge of English, in my opinion they should be fluent. They should be respectful towards all of their clients, and not swear their head off if an old lady is taking her time to go down the steps of the bus, or if tourists ask questions, or if they're not given the exact amount of money. Also, not being racist.
It must also be made sure that bus drivers go about and actually fulfill their entire trip, not go through shortcuts, or decide to stop for a coffee or to buy their groceries, and not speed through bus stops.
They should also keep their bus and themselves in a presentable condition, to say the least.

Joseph Brincat

Oct 17th 2009, 19:51

No, no. It can't be true!

First you have to upgrade all the main roads, and then try to educate all involved in the public transport system.

If you succeed in doing that, then try to reform.

It is not enough to inform the public that fares will be increased (or is it decreased?),
neither that the UHM has reached agreement (with whom? - there is no successful bidder yet) that all APT will keep their jobs for ten years (remember what was said about Maltacom employees). And the most crucial problem is who will convince all bus owners that they cannot have their share of the cake?

This is Malta "Tal Mickey Mouse"

Wilfrid Buttigieg

Oct 17th 2009, 19:24

A museum for the old buses will surely attract tourists. As a local, I would also visit such a museum, as long as their engines are switched off!

Paul Debono

Oct 17th 2009, 18:54

Euro 3 January 2001
Euro 4 January 2006
Euro 5 September 2010

Above are the introduction dates for EURO emission levels.

If we will have EURO 4 compliance in 4 years time that means we will once again be behind European standards. Why not just mandate that ALL buses need to be Euro 4 compliant? After all EURO 4 was introduced in 2006 - 3 YEARS AGO.

Why make do with old buses and standards? to save money I guess - Just make sure you dont get lung cancer in the meatime....

oliver mallia

Oct 17th 2009, 18:11

Regard the emissions, The first open top buses registered in Malta were fitted with an electronic component attached with the fuel pump. This system had up grade the engine. Also as far as I know, there will be some think wrong when black smoke comes out from any kind of engine (old and new). Link below is, A 1937 diesel engine before restoration situated in a pumping station in Malta it’s size is, average of 40 engines of a bus! First time running after 40years of ideal and not performing black smoke. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vq705jz9Mck

George Casha

Oct 17th 2009, 17:45

I agree that present drivers should not loose their job, after all, they have families to feed too and are providing an essential service. However, before this turns into another half baked farce, all drivers seeking to be employed with the new service must be able to pass stringent tests in: Speaking at least basic Maltese and English, not have any criminal record/s, be a responsable driver, not rob any tourists and locals when and if giving change (forward purchase of tickets would eliminate this), refrain from beating up foreign students, tourists, locals and whoever blocks his way and be smart and educated with comuters. That should weed out the bad apples from the cart. Its quite a long list. My bets are on another half baked farce unless I see anything to the contrary and eat humble pie :).

J Attard

Oct 17th 2009, 17:42

This sounds like Heaven.... issa naraw!!!!!!!!

oliver mallia

Oct 17th 2009, 17:32

Up grade the engines and up grade the drivers, old buses like the one in photo are part of our industrial heritage. Daily attraction maintained by the owners. To change such bus engine and convert to comfort seat is not a big job to do.

O. Mallia
Fondazjoni Wirt Industrijali

Sean Mangion

Oct 17th 2009, 17:04

First of all these reform seems to be a step in the right direction.

Double deckers, real time of when the buses will arrive, new infrastructure...these are good points.

However, in no article did I come across of what will happen to the ticketing system!! If tickets will be continued to be purchased on the bus, then I am very sorry to say that all these reforms will be in vain.

At each bus stop, the driver has to issue a ticket and give change. These procedure nearly takes up 70% of the trip.

If we use the UK system of the Osyter card not only will the trip be more time efficient, but also the new company will have better cash flow as cash in its majority will be collected before hand by using varous means as indicated beloe.

Purchase of tickets can be effected through internet banking, mobile (sms cash deposit in lets call it Malta Osyter card), payment at the bus terminal. The Malta Osyter card would incur a one time fee of lets say Eur3/ Eur4. This will reduce risks of theft, driver would be focused on driving and checking the Osyter card has taken payment.

T Mifsud

Oct 17th 2009, 16:17

Minister, Please address the ill mannered driver situation!

The reform looks like a physical state of the art system which will be one of the most advanced in the world. I hope the the drivers courteousness will be reformed too!

Do not leave the aspect of customer friendliness out of the reform. It goes beyond uniform and should focus on how the driver approaches the customers.

I have a suggestion to ADT and the minister:

Can an online reporting system be setup so that grievances be officially reported? The system would also keep the reporter informed. The system must also protect the reporter's identity from the drivers.

Emile Cassar

Oct 17th 2009, 15:55

I also think that the old buses were heavenly with their large windows and comfortable seats and easy access to the bell... don't give me senseless talk about safety - large windows are great.

Some new buses don't even have a single window. In summer I've seen tourists faint on buses because of the heat. The seats are anything but comfortable, and as Chris Demicoli said, the older buses look so much nicer than the new buses.

The only thing that's wrong with old buses is the emissions, lack of maintenance and lack of cleanliness. That's all.

Emile Cassar

Oct 17th 2009, 15:49

I agree with Charles Demicoli: In regards to the 'look' of the new buses, they should incorporate some design hints or cosmetic features to maintain the unique look of our buses. It will be a shame to lose another Maltese icon that is so much a part of the Maltese landscape, continuing down the slippery slope of "Blanding Malta".

M. Muscat

Oct 17th 2009, 15:29

@Gordon Farrugia

Yes tourists like them because they can make fun of our old and outdated system. Third world country buses!!!!!!!!!

J Micallef

Oct 17th 2009, 15:28

I think that the fees wont be worth it for me.

On 2 days of the week, I need my car to get to work becasue I have to attend a course after office hours. If I were to buy the cheapest tickets available, they would still come out more expensive than using my own car - mine is a small one with low consumption and emissions.

For this system to work, the buses would have to be REALLY frequent as time is an important factor today. If I leave Marsa at 5 sharp to get to my course in Ta'Xbiex at 5.30 during the rush hour, I would not need to spend more than 5 minutes waiting at the bus stop.

Bus lanes are not possible everywhere.

I'll start thinking about investing in a motorcycle, maybe.

David Hill

Oct 17th 2009, 15:15

I read with interest
"They (the bus drivers) had to have a professional dress code, would not be able to smoke on duty or drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs."
I hope they also ban the drivers from using mobile phones whilst driving, I've had a few hair raising incidents whilst the driver has been engrosed in a deep conversation whilst driving in rush hour trafic,
"Doors had to be closed at all times and buses would only drive away when all passengers were seated"
Does this mean that there will be no standing on the new buses, (I doubt that),

J Micallef

Oct 17th 2009, 15:15

I agree with most comments hereunder - especially re.drivers.

Today I went to valletta by bus. We got there in record time, with the driver exceeding speed limits for best part of the journey.

While driving through Marsa, Shumi decided to start playing with the ticketing machine - extracting what looked like reports and some memory chip - with the bus doing 80kph!

Do you remember the noticess 'Do not disturb the driver'!?

On my return, i found a driver dressed in tatters, eating a bag of pastizzi in the bus.

On starting off, he lit a cigarette and was more keen on spying the girls - were they going up, down or simply walking - instead of concentrating on his driving. Thank god his old banger could hardly do 50kph.

So, Transport reform? I see a long way ahead. Perhaps Dr. Gatt's bulldozer tactics are badly needed after all.

Anthony Debono

Oct 17th 2009, 15:07

@N Grima
Wake up! Yes I have the cheek to say it's not enough.

"it takes at least 2-4 years before production vehicles satisfy a standard" - THEY'RE IN PRODUCTION !!! (crap what you said)
http://www.sydneybuses.info/corporate/bus-fleet/volvo-b12ble---euro-5.htm

Read on since you didn't even bother to search a bit...

http://www.volvo.com/trucks/qatar-market/en-qa/about-us/Environment/euro4_euro5/aboutEuro4_5/about_euro4_5.htm

http://www.dieselnet.com/standards/eu/hd.php

http://www.busandcoach.com/newspage.aspx?id=992&categoryid=0

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_Citaro

I hope you are the only one who does not complain about bus exhaust exhaust and noxious gases.

Charles DeMicoli

Oct 17th 2009, 14:58

In other words, a normal public transportation system.

On the other hand, in regards to the 'look' of the new buses, they should incorporate some design hints or cosmetic features to maintain the unique look of our buses. It will be a shame to lose another Maltese icon that is so much a part of the Maltese landscape, continuing down the slippery slope of "Blanding Malta".

E. Azzopardi

Oct 17th 2009, 14:37

Very nice dreams indeed. Knowing how things are done in this country, I have to "feel and see" before anything else. It would be excellent if this were to come true. You are what you do and NOT what you say.
Having said this, I hope and pray that I AM WRONG for the sake of the country and the environment as at the moment it is a disaster and I suppose anything better than a disaster is progress !!

malcolm azzopardi

Oct 17th 2009, 14:35

It all looks promising and let's all hope it succedes because it is not possible and could not be tolerated any more, that everytime a bus passes by , it will leave a cloud of cancerous white/black smoke behind it.
In my opinion 15year old buses are already old and in 5 years time they are going to be 20 years old thus ready to scrap.
Let's also hope that after we get rid of the heavy polluting buses we also get rid of other heavy machinery that pollutes everyhere it passes!!

Lawrence Bonello

Oct 17th 2009, 14:34

I'll believe it when I see it! Especially in the light of yesterday's trumpeted agreement between MITC & UHM to keep m,ost of the present bus drivers.
What are they going to do to change their attitude/s? Intensive cognitive behavioural therapy? Or a brain-transplant!!
I was under the impression that Austin Gatt had some clout, but its all bark and no bite - yet again!!

Joseph Sammut

Oct 17th 2009, 14:21

Oh how nice to read about the new bus system will it reall happen,cant wait,no more sweating no more fumes,Cant wait to see it

N.Grima

Oct 17th 2009, 14:17

@ Anthony Debono...

Euro VI doesn't even exist yet - it's scheduled for release as a standard in 2013!! While Euro V was only issued last year - it takes at least 2-4 years before production vehicles satisfy a standard (why? because the vehicle needs to be DEVELOPED FIRST). And how on earth can't you realise that the staggered system is there only to serve as a bridge allowing the use of some of the present buses in order to postpone some of the investment (and by investment I mean some poor private soul's MILLIONS OF EUROS)? And it's not like there is some kind of huge compromise here - 30% of the fleet has to be spanking brand new off the design table! The minister is talking about having 70% of the buses operating in the harbour areas being electric when half the CARS on this island are not even Euro III compliant, and you have the CHEEK to say it's not enough?!!

Joseph Micallef

Oct 17th 2009, 14:15

According to http://www.dieselnet.com/standards/eu/hd.php diesel engines should be at least Euro V from 28 October 2008. Euro III was the standard of 2000 - 9 years ago!!

P.Cassar

Oct 17th 2009, 13:38

REFORM IN A NUTSHELL

More of the same BUT AT HIGHER PRICES as has been happening these last 20 years.

Practiclly all new routes WILL NOT RUN for more than a few months.

Rocco Cauchi

Oct 17th 2009, 13:38

I think we are shooting at the stars. In aiming too high we may have to pick the spoils in a few years time when the situation will be much different from the idyllic picture depicted during the past three days. Malta is Malta, let's just realise that, and plenty of organisation and planning generally goes stale. A law can be extrapolated from it: "Anything happening in any place is likely to recur in the same place with little if any changes."

apgrech

Oct 17th 2009, 13:21

I believe it when I see it.

j.schembri

Oct 17th 2009, 13:15

LOL........ AND ALL THE BUSES PASSED FROM VRT.........LOL !!!!!!!

Mario Zammit

Oct 17th 2009, 13:14

Well done Austin!! Keep up the good work you are doing for our beloved country. We need more like you.

M Aquilina

Oct 17th 2009, 13:11

In response to some comments here: getting rid of the old buses means reducing harmful emissions, reducing noise pollution, increasing accessibility for the old and disabled, and having more comfortable and reliable means of transport for both locals and tourists.

There is no place for sentimentalism when our health and that of future generations is at stake.

Daniel D'anastasi

Oct 17th 2009, 13:06

Bus Shelter - you could have the best running buses and routes...if you have no comfortable bus shelters on every stop you won't attract the ones that are comfortably using their car.Also think of automatic ticket vending points and resellers - for example from confectioneries, stationeries and the ones that are open for long like 'tal-Pastizzi"

Marc Alan Spiteri

Oct 17th 2009, 13:00

What has been mentioned all makes a lot of sense (except some bits where we are letting our imagination let go!)

The question is: How long will it be for infrastructure like the bus stop screens to be victims of vandalism?

GMifsud

Oct 17th 2009, 12:55

" the new public transport fleet cannot be more than 15 years old"
Right ok - at least we are not going to see 50yr old buses fuming in front of us any more...By the way - how do they manage to pass VRT?

"(Drivers) They had to have a professional dress code, would not be able to smoke on duty or drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs."
Well currently they have a smart dress code, not all smoke - errr....alcohol and drugs?? is it legal to do it anyway? so why mention it? Or just to make sure that we are politically correct?

"Double deckers and articulated buses, which comprised of two rigid parts linked together by a pivoting joint, would be permissible although these were between 16 and 18 metres."
I really hope that the roads are adequate for these kind of large buses being described above.

Andrea Portelli

Oct 17th 2009, 12:55

"....and drivers had to be fluent in Maltese and have a knowledge of basic English. They had to have a professional dress code, would not be able to smoke on duty or drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs."

> Most drivers cant even speak Maltese in a civil manner, let alone English
> Dispatchers, Drivers and everyone else from that lot cant even spend a day wearing a smart uniform.. many a times have I seen dispatchers with jeans and sport shoes!


I suggest that the CCTV to be installed should monitor the driver as well, since most of them cant be trusted to speak and dress decently or not to stop in the middle of the road talking to the bus driver on the opposite side of the road or stopping to buy something from the local pastizzeria!!

I believe that this reform is only possible if ADT or whoever employs new drivers who are up to date in terms of educational standards and if such people are well disciplined.

I'd been ranting a lot that drivers should posses at least 5 O levels: English, Maltese, Maths and any 2 other subjects.

Anthony Debono

Oct 17th 2009, 12:33

"He said that 370 buses from the currently fleet were Euro 0 and only a couple could be used as vintage."

And yet all buses pass the VRT.

Enjoy reading on Euro 0 compliance:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VH3-4V3HFHD-4&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_searchStrId=1051990856&_rerunOrigin=google&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=2217013a92cdbef6bad89eac66a8b1fe

Gordon Farrugia

Oct 17th 2009, 12:32

i love the old buses. tourists love them as well!! getting rid of them definitely doesn't benefit Malta - rather we should make replicas of them, recall our buses used to be built by Maltese in our shipyards!

Wilfrid Buttigieg

Oct 17th 2009, 12:31

Reform welcome! So many citizens have been thirsting for this change - quite desperately. Well done to all those involved in the activation of this change in practice. This country deserves better.

John Richards

Oct 17th 2009, 12:30

It would seem a shame to get rid of the 'look' of the old buses. They are an integral part of the Malta Heritage. I have visited Malta (and travelled on the buses) many times, and would miss seeing the old buses travelling around. Some of the buses were great while others were 'less so'. I'm not sure how i would feel travelling on them every day though. Could the new buses not be fitted to look like the old buses to maintain the 'look' of the Maltese bus?

The plan seems very ambitious. I live in the UK, and I am fairly certain that our bus system is not as advanced as what is proposed here, and 9 million Euro doesn't seem very much to achieve it. I wish you good luck :-)

C. Farrugia

Oct 17th 2009, 12:25

Till now well done Dr Gatt. The only Minister who is doing something in this country. When this is finalised and the taxis are liberalised then this country will need to make a veritable monument to Dr Gatt. If we only look at PBS, Gozo Channel, IT, Malta Drydocks, Sea Malta etc -- he has done wonders. It is true he has a number of personality problems, but he is the only minister that is delivering. Well Done.

mario camilleri

Oct 17th 2009, 12:16

GOOD RIDDANCE TO BAD RUBBISH. THIS WAS ONE OF MY WISHES . NOW IT SEEMS THAT ITS COMING TRUE. ANOTHER WISH IS TO CHANGE THE POLICE UNIFORMS. AS THE BUSES THEY ARE A DISGRACE TO OUR NATION.

Kevin Bonnici

Oct 17th 2009, 12:10

@Charles Micallef
The reason that mobile phone use is not mentioned is because it is illegal to use such equipment while driving. However, apparently,, it is not illegal to smoke while driving (don't ask me why not). Having said that, It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

M Mealclaff

Oct 17th 2009, 12:09

This is a very bad situation.
Why get rid of the old Busses ? They are our cultural heritage.
The old Busses ARE Malta and Malta IS the old busses.

to get rid of the old busses is ike getting rid of the Old Stone Temples.

The old ones must stay...Our heritage is going down the toilet day by day.

Anthony Debono

Oct 17th 2009, 12:08

@Hon Austin Gatt, Manuel Delia, ADT
"the minister said the objectives of new system were economic, social and environmental."

Environmental??? And we're still talking of Euro 3 compliance?
And that we'll have all buses Euro 4 compliant in four years time i.e. 2013??

We should be talking of Euro 5 and Euro 6 compliance. Just have a look:
http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/internal_market/single_market_for_goods/motor_vehicles/interactions_industry_policies/l28186_en.htm

m bonello

Oct 17th 2009, 12:06

If this reform really takes place as described above and I see that when I ride a bus I am treated with the respect due to me as a patron who paid to use the service - I would be the first to buy a long-term ticket, make less use of my private car and use public transport where and when it is possible - but only if what's been promised in the last few days will actually get implemented and the attitude of drivers is impeccable as this is what I expect as an EU citizen.

c.caruana

Oct 17th 2009, 12:05

hopefully it's not another smart city!!

Joseph Attard

Oct 17th 2009, 12:02

The recycling bit interests me. Ministry please note that an EU Directive, end of life vehicles exists and should have been in force herein Malta, another promise down the drain for now, and there are actuallly end of life vehicle licensed facilities.
Wasteserv is not licensed for end of life vehicles, neither is it licensed for Waste electrical and electronic equipment...but seems to be doing both illegally......how about waking up to the realities of the community.......and not doing so when it suits the Goverenment of the day

As for the reform , i do hope were not trying to jump ten steps when we could have done three within our limits and resources......i hear that to go to valletta from zurrieq you need to stop at luqa termini now then proceed to Valletta or from mellieha to valletta you need to go to ta qali then proceed to valletta...no wonder a two hour ticket is needed........but despite this im ready to wait and see ...come January 01, 2011 as i assure you readers .......buon vivre, b tal linja jaqbillek !

Charles Micallef

Oct 17th 2009, 11:50

.If what is promised is delivered then Malta's Bus Service will be unrecognizable from its present format, although there is a lot of concern if some of the present bus drivers are re-engaged on past their history.

This Document is very detailed to the extent that it mentions that they, would not be able to smoke on duty or drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs (thank God) but forget to mention that they cannot use of mobile phones while driving............. as many do!

Joanne Micallef

Oct 17th 2009, 11:43

Cannot wait for this reform to take place, well done for such a well thought plan

Mario Attard

Oct 17th 2009, 11:31

I have my own car so I rarely use a bus. This week , my car was in for some repairs so I had to use a bus for 4 days.
I have to say it. Nothing has changed in the last 30 years, except for the bus fare. Believe it or not, one of the buses had water coming in through the flooring after it had just rained! The other buses were all in a really poor, shameful state! Third-world-country style!
The only acceptable bus was the King-Long type. Its 2009 and about time that Malta gets a new, modern and efficient bus service!

Jake Micallef

Oct 17th 2009, 11:25

I'm actually really impressed. Reading the article and the documentation on timesofmalta.com this seems to be a very well thought of strategy and action plan. I don't want to be negative so I will aim to believe that all parties concerned will ensure this is implemented sucecssfully in everyone's interest!

Well done.
J.

mike farrugia

Oct 17th 2009, 11:20

I agree with the reform but do we have to wait another 14 months to have some reliabilty on the existing service? Can the public taste the new system starting by ensuring that one can rely on the public transport?
The new system is doomed to fail unless thousands of private cars are removed from the road. The delays are usually caused by too many private cars.
Give us a sample of what we will be getting and I will be the first to scrap my car January 2011.