Kurt Bugeja Coster
Compensating the bus owners
The public transport reform will cost taxpayers millions. Is the price right?
Hugh Caruana, 63, from Sliema
"If it is for the benefit of those who use the service, I agree. After all, taxpayers were already paying millions for it. On the other hand, bus owners must earn a living too. And it is not fair to kick them out after so many years. So I think it was a wise decision."
Anthony Borg, 62, from Buġibba
"You should be compensated if something's taken from you. So I think it's fair as long as commuters are adequately served. However, if we retain the same culture we would have done all this for nothing."
Alfred Muscat, 71, from Ta' Xbiex
"I'm not knowledgeable about the issue and only they know how much they paid for their buses. However, if they paid a lot of money they should not be deceived."
Toniette Cachia, 37, from St Venera
"I don't know how much they paid for their buses but I think it's only fair that they are given the money back."
Roger Grima, 59, from Marsa
"I think it was too generous."
Lina Mamo, 72, from Valletta
"I hope that it turns out to benefit both us and them, but we really needed a change."
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GiovDeMartino
Feb 1st 2010, 17:50
Mur ara kieku hadilhom ix-xarabank u x-xoghol u ma tahom xejn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Holl xaghrek u ggib zejt izjed milli hemm fis-Saudi Arabia! Kemm haw min hu egoist!
D.Carabott
Feb 1st 2010, 10:18
@Joe Grech You are absolutely right... the flaws of this questionnaire are evident. What about all those students and young people (under 18) who use the system on a daily basis? What about those who turn 18 and find that getting a loan for a number of years just to buy a car is more worth it than paying 50 Euro cents per trip? People, the idea is to improve the service not only in efficiency but also in attractiveness. That way young people like myself won't even feel the need to buy those fuel guzzling machines. Change the service, change the mentality. I think that people should stop worrying about how much the current bus drivers are being paid off to end their service and start asking questions about HOW the service is going to be improved... and how it will benefit us all. If it's done well, the benefits will be endless... less cars on the road.. less pollution (noise, air, visual)... positive impact on tourism.. and so on... and thats just the tip of the iceberg. If it works out.. i will happily leave my car at home to get to work every morning.
Joe Grech
Jan 31st 2010, 23:13
I wonder what the YOUNG would have said. Especially those who are finding it so hard to pay their mortgage and raise a family in these hard times. Or those who work long hours to try to make ends meet ends - possibly worrying about the possibility of joining the thousands who are unemployed.
Why not ask THEM?
Anthony Neil Pace
Jan 31st 2010, 23:05
I believe that the Bus Drivers were paid too much. I do not believe that they should be given this offer. it's just too much, after all of the damage the current system has done to the country's image, why should we stick with the same people that caused the trouble in the first place.
I am a student, who uses the bus system on a regular basis. the bus system is so terrible that I am working for a driving license to get myself around more efficiently.
I will only believe in the changes when I see them .