Bus company must be a reputable one (1)

In view of recent developments, I would like to repeat some of the comments I made in a letter printed in this newspaper on September 22 with reference to the takeover of a new bus company.

Providing the bus monopoly/company taking over is external and reputable, then Malta need have no fears - it can expect a vastly improved service.

Such a company would enforce: staff/driver discipline, staff/driver smartness and cleanliness, and discipline for breach of rules such as using mobile phones, smoking while driving, bad timekeeping, illegal stopping, missing of trips, ticket abuses, etc.

Inspectors would also be held liable for not upholding company discipline. Daily morning random driver breathalysers would be effected. Any passenger complaints would be acknowledged and dealt with appropriately.

On a positive note, for drivers, inspectors and staff, all would be trained, provided with smart uniforms and entitled to various perks with the job. Proper holiday leave would be correctly rostered in advance. Working overtime and on public holidays would be paid at enhanced rates.

This should hopefully allow drivers to gain self-confidence in the knowledge that they are now working for, and are part of (hopefully), a reputable organisation. But to enable all this to materialise, Austin Gatt and his ministry must ensure that a reputable organisation graces Malta's deserving shores.