Kurt Sansone
Higher bus fares for tourists
New bus service starts on July 3
The notorious bus fumes should hopefully become a thing of the past.
Tourists can expect to pay higher bus fares than Maltese identity card holders when the new bus service is rolled out in July as part of the transport reform that will cost taxpayers €6.2 million annually in subsidies.
The revamped bus service, which will see the yellow buses make way for a reduced fleet of modern aquamarine-coloured buses, comes with a new tariff structure.
The price of a day ticket will be €1.50 and that for a seven-day ticket €6.50. A short two-hour ticket, which will probably cater for one-way trips, costs €1.30.
Tourists and passengers who do not have Maltese ID cards will pay higher fares with a day ticket costing them €2.60 and a seven-day pass €12.
Giving details of the contract that is to be signed with British transport company Arriva and Tumas Group later this month, Transport Minister Austin Gatt defended the higher charge for foreigners, insisting this was similar in principle to the Gozo Channel fare structure – where Maltese residents using the ferry service pay a higher fee than Gozitans.
Bus fares will be locked for three years and subsequently increase according to the cost-of-living adjustment.
The subsidy will be fixed for the duration of the 10-year contract and is almost €3 million lower than the subsidy the government is negotiating with current bus owners for 2009.
The reform also includes a payment structure for the Blata l-Bajda park and ride service. Parking and transport to and from Valletta between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. will incur a charge of €2.50 for the driver and an additional one euro for every passenger. The price for the driver goes up to €4 after 7 p.m.
Commuters can, however, purchase a seven-day ticket at a cost of €10 that would cater for the driver and one passenger. Students, children and the elderly will pay subsidised rates. Two new park and ride pay-services will be introduced at Marsa and St Andrew’s.
The fleet will include 264 buses, of which 185 will be new and 79 refurbished. All will have less-polluting Euro V engines and will be air-conditioned.
For the first time on Maltese roads, a fleet of 46 flexi-buses that can carry more than 100 passengers will be deployed on selected heavily-used routes such as Ċirkewwa.
The service will operate daily between 5.30 a.m. and 11 p.m. and initially there will be an all-night service to and from St Julian’s on 14 routes that may increase to other areas during the summer months.
Dr Gatt explained that the public transport service had experienced a constant and dramatic decline in passengers over the years. While buses carried 59.2 million passengers in 1979, they only carried 30.2 million 30 years later.
At the same time, according to a transport survey carried out this year, 75 per cent of commuters used their private car as a means of transport and only 15 per cent travelled by bus.
Evidently happy with the outcome of negotiations with Arriva, Dr Gatt said the next big challenge was to convince people to use public transport instead of their car.
“When we embarked on this reform many told us it was impossible to achieve.
“Not even Dom Mintoff had managed, we were told. However, we worked hard and we succeeded, even if it came at a cost when we agreed on a financial package with bus drivers.
“Now, the next big challenge is to change the car culture of this country,” Dr Gatt said.
Arriva was committed to increasing patronage of the service and was increasing the seat capacity to 20,500, despite operating fewer buses, he added.
The new service will include electronic displays on buses and bus stops, information on routes at every stop, the creation of three terminuses – in Victoria, Buġibba and Valletta – and a number of new interchange stops along the routes.
The company will employ 920 people, of which 780 are drivers.
Current bus drivers have a six-week period after the signing of the contract during which they have to decide whether to take up a share option of 10 per cent in the consortium.
The reformed service will be rolled out on July 3 so as not to disrupt the school transport system.
Bus reform in numbers
59.2 million: Passengers carried by buses in 1979
30.2 million: Passengers carried by buses in 2009
€9 million: Subsidy claimed by current bus owners for 2009
€6.2 million: Total annual subsidy government will pay Arriva
€4.8 million: Annual subsidy government will pay for the Malta routes
€1.4 million: Annual subsidy government will pay for the Gozo routes
20,500: Arriva’s projected number of bus seats
13,900: Current number of bus seats
920: Employees that Arriva is expected to take on
780: Drivers who will form part of Arriva’s complement
508: Buses currently in service
264: Buses in Arriva’s fleet
10: Number of years for which the contract is applicable
€5: Park and ride fee for a driver and one passenger after 7 p.m.
€3.50: Park and ride fee for a driver and one passenger before 7 p.m.
€3.49: Current cost of a one-day ticket
€2.60: Arriva’s one-day ticket fare for non-Maltese ID card holders
€1.50: Arriva’s one-day ticket fare for Maltese ID card holders
€1.30: Arriva’s two-hour ticket fare
€0.47: Current single trip fare
Full details of reform presentation can be accessed on timesofmalta.com
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Gordon Lawrence
Jul 1st 2011, 17:14
if malta go money off the EEC to fund this then the foreigners have all ready paid for it this is discrimination remember that people of the uk if a maltese comes to stay in your hotel or uses your taxi or resturant charge them dearer
Michel Bencini
Nov 20th 2010, 15:52
Double standards never cut it in human relationships and the same applies to business. Tourists in Malta are always jibbed by the Maltese when the latter sense that they can make a few extra cents or euros on the back of those who look or sound different. I experiened that on my few visits to Malta. As soon as I switched to Maltese from a North American accented English, the price somehow of goods became suddenly more competitive. This irritated me to no end at the prospect of being tricked so deliberately. I also felt a sense of intense humilaiation when this happened in the company of toursit friends Let's get serious, there are many good deals out there on the planet, many more places where toursit can park their dollars, pounds, yens and euros without having to be discriminated against on a bus, a store or in a restaurant. If tourists sense that they have to pay more than the locals for the same journey they will either not return or find outer means of transportation. In the end, it will be the Maltese residents who will have to pay higher fares to meet the company's profit quotas!
Tom Welch
Nov 9th 2010, 14:41
...is it not the same government who criticize shopkeepers and restauranteurs for charging more for tourists? This is a charter for every trader in Malta to follow suit. How bizarre!
Joseph Cini
Nov 9th 2010, 11:57
What cheapskate visitors is Malta attracting! And all of course experts on the vital importance their contribution is making to Malta's economy!
* 3.49 Euros is the CURRENT cost of a 1 day ticket (mostly used by visitors;
* 2.60 Euros is the NEW cost of a 1 day ticket
Where's the problem?
Check out similar fares in these cities:
Berlin: 6.10 Euros
http://www.suite101.com/content/top-cheap-berlin-public-transportation-tickets-a192151
Madrid: 5.00 Euros
http://www.madrid-tourist-guide.com/en/transport/madrid-metro.html
Rome: 4.00 Euros (Biglietto giornaliero, one-dayticket)
http://www.rome.info/transportation/tickets/
London : 4.52 Euros (GBP 3.90)
http://www.londontoolkit.com/briefing/buses.htm
Paris : 9 Euros (Zones 1-3)
http://goparis.about.com/od/transportation/qt/paris-visite-pass-fares.htm
Melbourne, Australia : 4.96 Euros (AUD6.80) (Zone 1 only)
http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/assets/PDFs/Brochures/2010FaresAndTravelGuideUpdated.pdf
(You need to mortgage your house to get around Paris!)
Catherine Green
Nov 9th 2010, 18:24
Are you seriously comparing MALTA to Berlin, Madrid, London and Paris?? European capitals to a dusty rock where the capital, Valletta is loosely linked to other villages of not too much interest plus two crowded beaches? Indeed, you attract cheapskate visitors, but not thanks to the "tourists-will-have-to-pay-more" policy but simply for the fact that other European destinations have much more to offer to the tourist than Hobz biz-zejt, overpriced maccaroni and sunshine. Thank you for making me laugh out loud! When I last spent an hour and a half on buses to go from Valletta to Golden Bay, I also compared this unforgettable trip (amongst a swearing bus driver and screeching women) to other forms of transport, but I was more thinking of the ones in Peru and Argentina where I had the same kind of entertainment plus animal-show for far less. I have already written to the transport authorities you so kindly linked to ask them to charge Maltese ID-holders more than other people since the Maltese ID-holders seem to think they deserve special treatment.
Stephen Farrugia
Nov 9th 2010, 20:52
How dare you Catherine Green dare call Malta a Dusty Rock - Have you ever been around europe? The Pollution is incredible; and there's ACID rain (we don't have that in malta) .. also, oh wise one - Paris is the dirtiest city in europe; and you're comparing it to Valletta?
We live with what we have... for a dot on the map; I think Malta's pretty Amazing
If you don't like it - Please, Don't have anything to do with malta; go mind your own business, and enjoy the clenliness of singapore.
george lewis
Nov 10th 2010, 13:09
Mr.Cini I think you are off point.No one is comparing transport ticket prices or for that matter salaries.What one is saying is that there should be one price for locals or tourists as is everywhere else
Timothy Guntrip
Nov 9th 2010, 08:36
It is absolutely disgusting to charge foreigners more for the same service - particularly so as tourism provides such a valuable income to Malta.
george lewis
Nov 8th 2010, 18:33
As soon as I saw the heading on the front page of the Sunday Times which read that tourists were to pay more on public transport I was taken aback.Is the minister and for that matter the whole government going mental or what?I have travelled to many countries and lived overseas for 10 years.I have never been charged a cent more anywhere in the world,whether it was India,Egypt,Israel,Australia etc.etc..
Where is Dr.De Marco or Dr.Gonzi? Is this the way we treat tourists,is this the way of looking after the golden goose,mr.minister?We have been taken for a ride with all the high price of everything,but now we shall be taken for a walk,for the tariffs will be too much to ride, to drive and to park.
What a country of idiots we are to accept everything without protesting strongly about all this!Maybe Mintoff can say what he said at the Dockyard to all malta!
Is Austin Gatt or the whole parliament going to use public transport?Is he using his" cheap" ministry car? Will their families be doing the same ?
Dont forget Dr.Gonzi and co.we do not have your salaries or the ceo.s and no government company cars and perks.
Andrew Azzopardi
Nov 8th 2010, 16:53
What is being proposed would certainly be struck down by Brussels and/or Strasbourg.
I think Dr Gatt's real reason of this ID card business is not financial. With the new 'smart' ID cards, the movements of individuals around the island can be monitored. It is rather like the electronic tagging for convicted criminals released on parole used in some countries.
A. ZAMMIT
Nov 8th 2010, 12:29
Wouldn't it have been wiser to start the new system on a Saturday instead of on a Monday?
Robert Tomasuolo
Nov 8th 2010, 12:28
Higher bus fares for tourists, increased VAT for hotels, higher rates for tourists when using park and ride.... no wonder tourism has fallen in this country and were does the lost revenue come from ... maybe from our taxes, our electricity, gas bills, fuel at a higher price and warden's fines, etc ....keep this up the wait for change is almost over.
Bud Moureaux - Flanders (BE) & Xemxija, SPB (MT)
Nov 8th 2010, 10:43
Part 2
Let's hope Mr. Mario de Marco disagrees with the whole idea of discriminating tourists. Ripping off tourists would ruin this country. In the next days, the real intentions of the Government and the Minister for Transport in particular, will transpire now that matters are being discussed at the highest level.
I also wonder how the competent Commissioner at the European Commission will react to this matter when informed thereof. Perhaps this paper's correspondent in Brussels, Ivan Camilleri, can provide the name of the service (DG Health and Consumers?) and the person to be contacted. In this way Malta could be forced to fully comply with the EU directives for equal treatment of EU and other citizens with regard to the bus fares on the new bus service starting on July 3, 2011.
This matter should definitely be followed up.
Bud Moureaux - Flanders (BE) & Xemxija, SPB (MT)
Nov 8th 2010, 10:42
Part 1
As I mentioned earlier, I have also written to the office of the Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Mr. Mario de Marco. In the meantime I received a very short reply that came directly from the OPM reading as follows: "Mr Gatt has already been alerted about this and it was suggested that it should speak about residents."
So, here you have it directly from the OPM. This minute change in wording to 'residents' would however still imply a discriminatory treatment of EU citizens. It's just turning and twisting, playing with words. And what's more this time, it has now been sanctioned by the highest office in the country!
Perhaps the Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Mr. Mario de Marco will still come up with a reaction of his own. I still wonder what HE has to say about the blatant discrimination shown by his colleague responsible for transport. I am very curious to learn how HE will be promoting Malta as a tourist destination, inviting EU and other tourists to use the new public transport system and also explaining them they would have to pay more for the bus fares than Malta ID Card holders.
A. Tanti
Nov 8th 2010, 09:13
I guess Malta wants to get rid of all income they make from tourists by the way they keep on increasing taxes and prices here for any foreigner. For a country that seems pretty reliant on tourist dollars I just don't understand what the heck they are thinking! Obviously they have some real idiots in parliament! But everyone knows this already.
RMangion
Nov 8th 2010, 08:28
Why does it have to be us Maltese to come up with such innovative ideas on how to ruin the tourism sector ?
G Brentsky
Nov 8th 2010, 08:19
I may have misread the article a little but does it state that:
"Tourists can expect to pay higher bus fares than Maltese identity card holders". Now I have been here for 2 years and have a card with an A on the end. Would I then fall under the side who are not to be charged higher prices. technically I have a Maltese Identity Card - its certainly not a french one or a german one its Maltese!!!!
I ask because not everyone who lives and works here and relies on public transportation is Maltese. Just like in every other country in Europe not everyone calls their country of residence home. I would be digusted if my Maltese friends in London were charged a higher fare for their Oyster Card - in fact that would NEVER happen because London turns/works on the backs of a global population but you get mt drift.
herbert borg
Nov 8th 2010, 07:46
BYE BYE VALLETTA SHOPPING!!!
Judy Vassallo
Nov 8th 2010, 04:28
That is so unfair for tourists to charge them more to ride the buses. Tourists in Australia don't pay more for their train and bus fares. We have just been to the US and tourists are not charged more there for bus trips. Charging tourists more for everything is driving them away.
smifsud
Nov 7th 2010, 23:53
why ? why?why ?...its so irrisponsible of the gov to do this ...just plain dum idea that will cost this gov the election and Malta to lose tourists which = money !!! ...hooray finally the PN has shot itself on the its own foot ...Mr Muscat please take advantage of this PN blunder!!!... go for the juggler now....!!!
smifsud
Nov 7th 2010, 23:43
...malta is ruined by this incompetent gov ...its better to hire a car now then take the bus ,...i love taking the bus everywhere but now no way im going to satisfy this system ..i will walk more instead ...maybe all maltese should protest this policy to save MALTA from this tyranny gov ....they are ripping everyone off ....Gonzi hope you lose the next election !!!....What is happening to my beloved Malta where i always thought it was the best place on earth to live ...but its losing its CHARM real quick now ...wow how dissapointing this news is ....please all maltese and residents of malta and potential tourists ,maltese immigrants from abroad rise up and SPEAK OUT AGAINST THIS !!!!
smifsud
Nov 7th 2010, 23:37
Spot on ...malta is ruined by this incompetent gov ...its better to hire a car now then take the bus ,...i love taking the bus everywhere but now no way im going to satisfy this syatem ..i will walk more instead ...maybe all maltese should protest this policy to save MALTA from this tyranny gov ....they are ripping everyone off ....Gonzi hope you lose the next election !!!....
Fenech M D
Nov 7th 2010, 23:01
Taxxa ohra.
U din ma ssemmietx fil-budget, allura ma hadniex zieda ghaliha.
Mela l-anqas zvog ghall-anzjani jitilghu sal-Belt m'hu ser jifdal.
U min ma jsuqx u jkollu qadja l-Belt minn 47cx2=94c ser ikollu jhallas Eur1.50.
U tal-hwienet tal-Belt ma jitkellmux?
Is-Sur Gatt/il-PN ghamel xi weghda li jkisser il-Belt? Bhalissa qeghdin sew bit-tfarrik tad-dahla tal-Belt u issa din jonqoshom biex jigu ottu. U mhux tnaqqis mill-Maltin biss imma anke turisti ser ihossu. Allura dan sew? Id-dipartiment tal-konsumatur ma jitkellimx? Kemm nifilhu naqilghu fuq rasna?
Anthony F. Camilleri
Nov 7th 2010, 22:15
Just for the record, there is nothing illegal about the fares. All Maltese residents - not citizens, hold an ID card. All foreigners with a Maltese ID card will also benefit. Therefore, no discrimination based on nationality.
As far as the argument that this doesn't happen abroad, there are many ways to do this.... most cities in Europe have now introduced 'Oyster' type systems, where locals pay for a device on which they 'load' tickets. If you don't have one, which tourists never do, you pay 2 or 3 times more.
I'm not arguing for or against this...but a little informed debate never goes astray.
j.camenzuli
Nov 7th 2010, 21:30
Minister Gatt will do a U turn on the fare to be charged to tourists once the EU gets hold of this and should resign as a minister for transport.
Wilfred L Camilleri
Nov 7th 2010, 21:27
The government must be doing this as a conspiracy to force tourists to rent cars instead of taking public transport and reducing pollution. Really, which genius in the government came up with this convoluted and absurd idea of subsidies? And how is charging for the Park-and-ride service going to encourage people to leave their cars at home and take public transport? If the government is really serious about encouraging people to leave their cars at home they'd better go back to the drawing board and come up with a sensible approach to this issue. But wait a minute, when did a government or a bureaucrat come up with any sensible ideas in the first place?
j.camenzuli
Nov 7th 2010, 21:12
As far as I know it is illegal to charge a tourist a higher bus fare. I call this discrimination.
Once the EU finds out about this, Malta will fork out more taxpayer's money in fines. When I travel abroad, I pay the same fare as the locals. Why should Malta be different from other European countries.
C Sullivan
Nov 7th 2010, 20:30
Higher bus fares for tourists! Discrimination at its best!!! Honestly, sometimes I don't believe what comes out of the "brains" of these top officials!!
Joe E galea
Nov 7th 2010, 20:17
Aren't subsidies bad according to the PN and EU and whatever? If subsisdies for public transport are good then why the subsidies on gas which is a necessity were removed?
I would like to know who came up with the idea of charging tourists more. Is this the Gonzi way of attracting more tourism?
John Martin
Nov 7th 2010, 19:26
If these changes go through, Malta will get the nickname of RIP OFF Malta, and what with Air Malta reducing its number flights to Gatwick for next year and increasing the prices of the remaining Gatwick flights. Malta will see an even bigger reduction of tourist's from England. With an even bigger reduction of bus revenues?
mary kelly
Nov 7th 2010, 19:05
What an idiotic idea for tourist to pay more for bus fare, I travel to Dublin Ireland I use the buses I pay the same fare as anyone else , Malta will lose more tourist
Carmel Cilia
Nov 7th 2010, 19:01
The government could not do otherwise in this whole project. They have been telling us that subsidies have to be eliminated for so long that they could not be faced with being charged with having subsidised transport for foreigners. Dak li jgib diskors zejjed sur Gvern.
However I have yet to be convinced that this discrimination would be accepted by the E.U.
Forsi se jgib xi deroga ..
Chris Finch
Nov 7th 2010, 18:56
In summer it was deemed illegal that some shops and kiosks were charging tourists a higher price than locals. Now the government is sanctioning the idea.
If I were one of these kiosks, I would have a dual price list printed up tomorrow then let the government try to take me to court.
They have set a very dangerous precedent with this stupid initiative. Tourists already think Malta is a rip off (unless you are here to study a foreign language). I can see them staying away in droves.
John Caruana
Nov 7th 2010, 18:08
What idiot came up with this idea ,I never heard any thing like this any were else in the world I am Maltese born in Valletta Malta but i do not have an I.D. card as I live in Canada so I come to Malta to visit like I did a few times and I stay in a hotel and then you rob. Be nice to tourist they mean a lot for malta.
John.
Arthur Arran
Nov 8th 2010, 11:31
I totally agree with John, Malta needs more not fewer tourists. Malta buses are advirtised abroad as attractions in themselves, some relics from the 50's; 60's and 70's and for the most part driven by hardworking well mannered drivers. Malta needs all the tourists she can get. This is surely a backward step.
Fred Medhurst
Nov 7th 2010, 18:04
WHEN this is deemed by the EU as illegal and a massive fine is handed out then make sure that the stupid politicians that allowed this to go through are forced to pay the fine from their own pockets rather than yet another increase on taxes. Only when this approach is taken will politicians start thinking more carefully.
Alfred Grech
Nov 7th 2010, 17:55
So if a Maltese emigrant visits Malta s/he has to pay more since many of them don't have a Maltese ID, right? What is the percentage of non ID carrying passengers vs those with ID? I don't find this decision logical.
Steve Sant
Nov 7th 2010, 17:52
Hurray, now with nowhere to park, nowhere to get a bus from unless you pay through your nose that is, hardly anybody will bother coming to Valletta. We can finally buy a Valletta property on the cheap. I mean, who on earth would want a business or property in Valetta when it costs so much just to park. Brilliant thinking. Genius at work, V=0+0.
robert micallef
Nov 7th 2010, 17:36
about a month back The times reported that foreigners where charged more then the Maltese for nearly every thing. There was public outcry..........now its sanctioned by the government.
Kieron O'connor
Nov 7th 2010, 17:27
I would be very suprised if this "Discrimination" against tourists gets EU approval.
Its bad enough in malta for foreigners being ripped off with the "special" prices, but now you have government approved discrimination.
What will happen in the end will be, the tourists will get smart and wont ride on the buses.
The extra money the government and the operator think they will be getting from tourists will dry up, and the subsidised maltese bus rider will have to pay higher prices, or the maltese tax payer will have to pay higher subsidies to make up the short fall.
Either way, every one loses, the tourist and the tax payer.
Joseph Galea
Nov 7th 2010, 17:22
@S.Cassar
"Justifying it by saying that Gozitans pay cheaper ferry prices than Maltese doesn't impress us either. That is also discrimination. Besides, there's no such thing as a 'Gozitan citizen'. They are Maltese citizens like the rest of us with Maltese passports, ID cards and what not."
This is totally different, "Gozitans" pay cheaper prices because they live in gozo and use the service "for work reasons". Its totally different from the "Maltese" that go to Gozo for fun. The Gozitan DOES NOT have a choice, while the Maltese have a choice.
Common sence says: we Maltese citizens are paying for the new busses from our taxes. Therefore, its only fair that we pay less for trips. The problem is, how do you distinguish a maltese (or a foreigner working in malta and paying taxes here) and a turist that is in Malta for Fun?
A second problem, is this legal? Are'nt suppose all EU members be the same &charged the same for the same service?
Using ID-Cards to get on the BUS will further delay the boarding time.
Without Tourists we have nothing - why are we driving them away?
Mike Cammalleri
Nov 7th 2010, 17:21
So how do I report this to the EU for investigation? Obviously as country Malta will be embarrassed again which is something I don't want, but on the other hand I can't accept such disgusting decisions. There is no other country in the EU that makes a difference between locals and other EU citizens, and nor should Malta.
Bud Moureaux - Flanders (BE) & Xemxija, SPB (MT)
Nov 7th 2010, 17:05
Part 2
In the meantime, I have also written to the office of the Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Mr. Mario de Marco. I wonder what HE has to say about the blatant discrimination shown by his colleague responsible for transport of a.o. the tourists. I am very curious to learn how HE, as Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, will be promoting Malta as a tourist destination, inviting EU and other tourists to use the new public transport system and also telling them they would have to pay more for the bus fares than Malta ID Card holders. Perhaps he could consider changing the welcome slogan from 'Malta, where the sun shines from the heart' to 'Malta, where you are sure to get ripped off!'
For your information, I am partially residing in Flanders (northern Dutch speaking part of Belgium) and partially at my flat/penthouse in Xemxija, SPB. I am following up the news from Malta via internet and via personal contacts on a daily basis and I regularly either post my comments or write directly to the persons concerned.
T Camilleri
Nov 7th 2010, 22:56
Bud Moureaux - Flanders (BE) & Xemxija, SPB (MT) tourists come here for holidays and did not pay for any infrastructure while we have been paying for years, so do you expect that they should not pay more than we do? If they don't like it they are free not to come.
Bud Moureaux - Flanders (BE) & Xemxija, SPB (MT)
Nov 7th 2010, 17:05
Part 1
As already stated by others here, the price difference for the fares to be paid by Maltese ID card holders and others, including tourists, is an outright discrimination. It is illegal under EU laws to treat different EU citizens in different ways, such as charging one price for Maltese ID card holders and another for non-Maltese, e.g. tourists, most of them being EU nationals. EU regulations clearly stipulate that EU citizens cannot be charged a higher price than local residents when buying products or services anywhere else in the EU.
After contacting the Transport Minister's office, asking for some comments on this matter, resp. how this discrepancy would be redressed, this was the short answer I received: "A Malta ID Card is held by any person resident in Malta independently of nationality." This reply does not answer my question. It is outrageous and clearly indicates the Minister doesn't give a damn about EU regulations!
So, what to do next? Very simple. Try to obtain a Maltese ID Card, knowing the conditions that have to be met and the hassle that means. Or else, just get lost! Thank you very much, Minister Gatt, for the hint.
A. Brincat
Nov 7th 2010, 16:45
What? Pay 3.50 for park and ride?
My options are now:
1) Take the bus to Valletta to go shopping (not in my plans); or
2) Park in the Valletta private Car Park (still expensive but a better option especially if with a baby and buggy to carry); or
3) Refrain from going shopping in Valletta altogether (more likely).
Thank you Dr. Gonzi for my reduced choice. Yet your ministers and other MPs are getting an increased pay and free parking with the new project. Sewwa qallek Muscat!!!
M Grech
Nov 7th 2010, 16:42
It was only a few weeks ago that the Times came out with the story of inflated prices for tourists. From this article it is evident that there is nothing wrong with that practice. The Government itself is promoting the fleecing of tourists. Excellence in 2015. Meanwhile, mediocrity in 2010. We can always wait and see what happens. The metamorphosis should be impressive.
Ray Woods
Nov 7th 2010, 16:29
Most tourists already pay higher fares - by being ripped off by the drivers. Now illegality comes with a Government seal of approval.
CZARB
Nov 7th 2010, 18:45
If you go to Venice you'll notice that you pay more then the Venice region residents/those studying in Venice.
Ray Woods
Nov 7th 2010, 16:27
Is Malta in the EU or not?It seems to be when it receives grant aid abut not when other EU citizens are involved eg sales of property at higher prices, water and electricity rates higher rates and now bus fares.
I am going to suggest to the UK Government that all Maltese visitors should pay a higher fare.
patrick zammit
Nov 7th 2010, 15:45
The taxpayer had to fork out millions to silence the present bus owners/drivers.
The taxpayer will subsidise Arriva for the ammount of 70% of the present subsidy.
The normal day ticket (ex: one trip to and from Valletta) will inrease by 300%.
Somehow, it looks like the taxpayer and the commuter got a very raw deal in the process.
robert micallef
Nov 7th 2010, 15:25
so once again nothing changes. my wife is foreign and every time she went on a bus she has to pay more. that was illegal .......now its legal to overcharge foreigners. so nothing changes its just be legalised
Wilfred Camilleri
Nov 7th 2010, 15:24
Again, the politicians got it wrong! Charging people without an ID card higher rates is stupid and illogical. Imagine if every country did that! When Maltese travel abroad, where most public transport systems are subsidized, they don't get asked for their ID Card or passport to get the going rate. And why aren't foreign senior citizens getting the discount? Whenever I traveled to the US I was able to get a seniors discount by just proving my age and in the US most discounted services for seniors start at age 55. Discriminating against tourists will only tarnish Malta's image. It may be peanuts but it's the small everyday things that stick in a tourist's mind when talking with other people abroad.
Wilfred Camilleri
Nov 7th 2010, 15:18
Your argument would only stand if other countries did the same. The fact is that many countries subsidize public transportation but do not discriminate between citizens and foreigners when it comes to fares, including discounts for senior citizens. Apart from creating havoc at ticket buying kiosks if everyone has to show an ID card, it's not good for the tourism image of Malta.
james schembri
Nov 7th 2010, 15:18
it currently costs 1.40 for two trips - one going and one back from university. Now it will be 1.50, I ask who is pocketing the 10c robbed from every person using the service???
And if there are 508 buses currently in service how will 264 cope??? miracles presumably.
And now we want to rob the tourists as well!!! Those who are currently using their cars keep doing so and those who are considering it go for it.
N Sammut
Nov 7th 2010, 14:44
Discrimination at its best, ridiculous and stupid. How are we to harness our tourism by discriminating. This is madness, and stupidity at its finest!
Albert Bezzina
Nov 7th 2010, 14:28
Certainly hopeful the new service takes us into the Twentieth Century (not a mistake, should have happened at least 20 years ago).
It is ironic that though Arriva is 'investing' around €32 million to get the new service going with EURO V compliant vehicles, the cost for Government (us the taxpayers) exceeded €52 million and that not including the several millions going into improving the infrastructure (hubs and termini).
The discrimination between locals and non locals HAS to go.
The cost of park and ride at €2.5 for one vehicle and driver (€3.5 if a passenger is included) cannot be justified. 600 vehicles a day, half with driver and passenger = €1800 for the transport of 900 passengers two way (1800 passengers) = 100 minibus trips. 50 peak outbound, 50 peak inbound. Can be accommodated with 6 minibuses on shuttle runs with €300 each minibus or €90000 a year EACH. That is enough to give the driver a hefty salary and have enough left over to renew the minibus EVERY year. This is absolutely unacceptable especially since the 'infrastructure' is being built with taxpayer's money. The price is intended to discourage even the use of the P&R.
amifsud
Nov 7th 2010, 14:23
"The price for the driver goes up to €4 after 7 p.m."
In any other city in the world it is cheaper to park in the evening, if not free. Someone explain this twisted logic......so more cars will drive into valletta after 7.
James A. Tyrrell
Nov 7th 2010, 13:51
Actually from the point of view of a tourist I find the fares pretty reasonable. I also agree that the Maltese residents should pay a lower fare than the tourists. Having said that I wouldn't use the bus service myself and prefer to make my own way around in a hire car. Given that the new one day ticket fare for tourists is going to be €2.60 does that mean that certain drivers will be making a 40 cent tip on every fare?
W Spencer
Nov 7th 2010, 21:06
From the point of view from a resident, I find the increase in bus fares for tourists, completely illogical, unecessary, greedy, and most likely illegal under EU Law ( maybe another large fine for Malta ? ).
Why is it that the Government, always makes the wrong decision to any problem in the first instance, then has to dig itself out of yet another hole !
Tom Broadley
Nov 7th 2010, 13:50
Here we go again, Rip off the tourist. Welcome to your new bus operator Malta.
Jeremy J Camilleri
Nov 7th 2010, 13:30
“Not even Dom Mintoff had managed, we were told. However, we worked hard and we succeeded, even if it came at a cost when we agreed on a financial package with bus drivers.
Hints of Admiration for old DOm?
Julian Gatt
Nov 7th 2010, 13:13
Yet another step backwards for Malta, try that kind of fare structure in Australia and we would send you packing, tourism is your lifelblood, what, are you crazy as well as discriminatory? Do I pay one fare and my foreign wife another? Do I have to show my ID Card everytime I get on a bus? Are you nuts? What has EU got to say? Why does Malta keep shooting itself in the foot with slugging taxes and prices on tourists? Most tourists I dealt with when I had shops in Malta told me they would never come back because it was such a rascist place and a run down looking country that does not even look after its own properly whenit comes to wages and working conditions.
You have over 304,000 registered vehicles spewing out pollution and now you want to make public transport less attractive, look at the difference between 1979 and 2009
59.2 million: Passengers carried by buses in 1979
30.2 million: Passengers carried by buses in 2009
You really have it bad there, such a shame, it used to be a beautiful country now just dilapidated in every way.
John Azzopardi
Nov 7th 2010, 12:55
Some people may think it's a good good idea to have one price for Maltese identity holders and another for tourist. Believe me, it's a bad idea. It will leave bad impression on our visitors to have 2 fares. When maltese go Europe and even to the United States, they have the same fare right. So why shouldn't tourist do the same.
Professor Godfrey Baldacchino
Nov 7th 2010, 12:48
I am not surprised that your caption for the latest about the 'bus reform' exercise reads 'Higher bus fares for tourists'. As others have already noted, this measure is discriminatory, unsavoury, unproductive and dangerous. Here are (at least) 5 reasons why:
(1) The measure may be illegal in terms of European Union 'single market' principles. (2) Not all residents in Malta are ID card holders - for example, foreign workers - and yet these would be treated as 'tourists' according to the suggested tariff structure. (3) Bus drivers are being implicitly asked to act as citizenship monitors, something that is beyond their job description and which they could, plausibly, refuse to do (whether officially or tacitly). (4) There may be some nasty profiling, as bus drivers ask say, dark skinned or fair haired passengers to show their ID, but not others. (5) Fumbling for IDs will introduce a time lag in embarkation, adding inefficiencies to the operation.
A solution? Tourists are typically short stay visitors. If 1-month or 3-month or even 1-year passes are available, these would naturally be bought by local, all-year-round residents. In this way, short term users would help to subsidize the system.
Anthony Pace Gouder
Nov 7th 2010, 12:26
Sa fejn naf jien l-Awtoritajiet jiehdu passi ( citazzjonijiet etc.) kontra min jisloh u jiccarja prezzijiet ghola minn dawk stabbiliti !
Issa barra li behsibhom jiksru REGOLA tal-EU ,bil-barka kolla se jawtorrizzaw li minn ma jkollux I.D, Card Maltija (Turist/resident) jkollu jhallas eu 1.10 aktar ghall-biljett kull-jum !
Immaginaw tkun Londra u ghax turist ikollok thallas ferm aktar ghall GO-AS-YOU-PLEASE Ticket !!!! Dawn jarfu x;inhuma jaghmlu?
Araw dan :- http://www.timesofmalta.com?articles/view/20100905/local/foreigners-overcharged-for-identical-products |(Stharrig T.O.M .)
David Gauci
Nov 7th 2010, 13:10
Din li t-turist ikun diskriminat xi zmien ilu kienet applikata fuq il-vapuri tal-Gozo Channel, u kellha titnehha ghax safejn naf jien tmur kontra l-ispirtu tal-EU specjalment jekk it-turisti jkunu Ewropej. Jekk din id-diskriminazzjoni kontra t-turisti veru ssehh, ma ddumx ma titnehha (u-turn) fuq ordni jew xi theddida mill-EU.
carmel pace
Nov 7th 2010, 14:25
Although I am not a resident anymore in Valletta, I consider myself still as a BELTI. Dr Gatt although he lives in Valletta he is trying to choke the life that remains in the city. First it was ridiculous of not charging anything when using the service of P&R, and now to go to Valletta with my family ( 4 members) I have to fork out 5.50euros. Is this healthy for the Valletta Buisness??? Thanks to reconsider
Raymond Maltas
Nov 7th 2010, 12:24
Surely this is discrimination against tourists and will possibly make tourists think twice before visiting Malta. I seem to remember that the Government were trying to stamp out shops, bars and restaurants charging tourists higher prices than locals as it was damaging tourism. I will be coming to Malta in the near future again but will reconsider for future visits sa it seems to be getting unfriendly for visitors.
Ryan Sammut
Nov 7th 2010, 15:49
Mr Raymon... have you ever travelled outside MALTA??
Are you aware of day tickets and their price.... 2.60euro is a JOKE!!
I pay double that everyday for a bus day ticket which only includes 2 zones!!
So anyone coming from abroad... with their 'better pays' etc etc will think they've made a great bargain ...
Therefore do you HONESTLY think that tourists will think twice before coming here just cause the ticket is 1 euro more expensive! !! ! i laugh at the fact you ever consider such nonsense!
u mur lhemm!
smifsud
Nov 7th 2010, 23:55
why ? why?why ?...its so irrisponsible of the gov to do this ...just plain dum idea that will cost this gov the election and Malta to lose tourists which = money !!! ...hooray finally the PN has shot itself on the its own foot ...Mr Muscat please take advantage of this PN blunder!!!... go for the juggler now....!!!
Czarb
Nov 7th 2010, 12:21
There is no discrimination since its based on residents/non residents and not Maltese/EU citizens. We've been used to this 'discrimination' (Gozo channel) for years and Europe had never complained about it.
Now I don't agree with the transport reform but I do agree that the residents should pay less then the tourists. Lets face it, its the residents who are going to pay for the 6m+ subsidies per year.
Ian Zammit
Nov 7th 2010, 14:27
Actually discrimination between Maltese and Gozitan is of no concern of the EU as it is a national matter. Discrimination on basis of citizenship or residence between EU citizens residing in different Member States is a totally different question and falls within the scope of EU legislation. This scheme is illegal and I doubt it will make it to July when it's supposed to start operating.
C Cassar
Nov 7th 2010, 15:02
Yes but it's the residents (loocal Maltese) who will be getting the most out of the service by being able to buy much cheaper, long term tickets. Tourists won't be in a position to by monthly or yearly tickets and yet they pay more than weekly/daily tickets than Maltese already. This won't fly, what a shame once the news gets around that if you're a visitor you being singled out and charged nearly 100% more for the same service.
As I said yesterday, if any Maltese party is allowed anywhere near the running ofthe new transprort infrastructure, it will start to fall apart. Looks like it's happening before it's started in this case.
There's no way I'm goingto use the system (no matter how great it seems) if I know I'm being charged more than the person next to me for the same thing.
I'll be warning all visitors I know about the discrimination.
CZARB
Nov 7th 2010, 18:26
Maltese citizens ARE EU citizens and yet both Maltese and other citizens are 'discriminated' in favor of those who have residence in Gozo. There is a big big difference between citizenship and residence. A Maltese can be citizen but not a resident while a Foreigner can be a resident but not a citizen.
Tony Bishop
Nov 7th 2010, 12:15
Why is there discrimation between teenagers and grownups.Most families go to Qawra and Bugiba for a night out so they have to pack up and leave before 11pm while teenagers have all night buses from Paciville.It does not make sence to me.They say that a Circus is going to be sat up in Malta maybe this is it.
c camilleri
Nov 7th 2010, 12:15
What are the legal implications for such decisions? Is this acceptable to the EU? I doubt it, because with this measure the government shall be discriminating between EU citizens and Maltese id card holders!
I shall not be surprised that in the future we tax payers may be again fined by the EU for such discriminatory actions!
But then, what can one expect from Mr. Gatt ?
Rocco Cauchi
Nov 7th 2010, 12:11
Does it mean that the ordinary Maltese citizen would have to show his ID any time he boards a bus or visits an automatic ticket-machine?
Do we have to show our top-heaviness in public transport too?
G.Pisani
Nov 7th 2010, 11:57
This is insane. This is discriminatory. How can we, a country whose main industry is tourism consider such an illogical fare? We should employ tourist friendly policies not discriminatory like this. i even wonder if this is allowed under EU. Bluder in the making ...
Christopher Wisbey
Nov 7th 2010, 11:53
Tourism remains a major share of the Country's economy and now you are trying to alianate them further? Sunshine remains the only reason for travelling to Malta since joining the EU, unless there's something I'm missing?
Michael Walton
Nov 7th 2010, 11:50
Yet another case of "let's rip off the tourist". I can remember when Malta was an inexpensive place to visit. This no longer applies. I can not see how the government can allow this discrimination against tourists who are the lifeblood of the Maltese economy. In most other countries I have visited, tourists are offered special passes for public transport at a lower cost than the localspay. This will not affect me personally, as I do not use the buses, I always rent a car from a local company which has given excellent service at reasonable rates for the past 25 years I have been visiting Malta.
James Dimech
Nov 7th 2010, 11:42
I have never been to a civilized country which makes distinctions between tourists and residents on a public transport system. This will just create bad feelings and will cloud all the good the reform is making also to be respectable in the eyes of foreigners.
Tony Gatt
Nov 7th 2010, 11:57
The same goes for water and electricity, if one is not a permanent resident here one pays a higher price. Welcome to Malta!
Ryan Sammut
Nov 7th 2010, 15:53
True that it seems discriminatory and it prob is however come over to england and you'll see that: job seekers, low income, pensioners, students, pregnant women, new mums, single mums, disability ...the list is endless, these people get reduced prices on EVERYTHING..... and you would have to show the acceptable proof of your above status IE a UK issued proof... i doubt any tourist visiting the uk has a enlish issued document proving anything... hence they pay full price...
so everyone discriminates... some subtly... others not so much :p
Ryan Sammut
Nov 7th 2010, 15:53
True that it seems discriminatory and it prob is however come over to england and you'll see that: job seekers, low income, pensioners, students, pregnant women, new mums, single mums, disability ...the list is endless, these people get reduced prices on EVERYTHING..... and you would have to show the acceptable proof of your above status IE a UK issued proof... i doubt any tourist visiting the uk has a enlish issued document proving anything... hence they pay full price...
so everyone discriminates... some subtly... others not so much :p
James Dimech
Nov 7th 2010, 11:42
I have never been to a civilized country which makes distinctions between tourists and residents on a public transport system. This will just create bad feelings and will cloud all the good the reform is making also to be respectable in the eyes of foreigners.
C Cassar
Nov 7th 2010, 11:40
Mr Gatt, charging tourists more for a service that the locals is illegal within the EU. Not a very good start to what promised to be a very good service.
Tony Gatt
Nov 7th 2010, 11:58
The same goes for water and electricity, if one is not a permanent resident here one pays a higher price. Welcome to Malta!
Tony Gatt
Nov 7th 2010, 12:17
When the issue of disriminatory rates regarding water and electricity came up recently, the MEP Simon Busuttil didn't think there was a problem. So Malta does its own thing, it seems!
Paul Kew
Nov 7th 2010, 11:35
Well that caps it all charging tourists more for bus services than Maltese users. Is it legal under EEC rules? I for one will be checking it out.The local taxi drivers will be loving it. Four tourists travelling say from Sliema Ferry to Balluta bay by Bus €10.40 by Taxi €8.
colin stanley
Nov 7th 2010, 11:24
I think it is discusting to charge non Maltese higher prices, do you think that they won't complain. (and rightly so ) how would you like it if you go abroad, and get charged more than the locals. what about all these foreigners we have in Malta, are they going to have the same rights as Maltese. !!!!!
S.Cassar
Nov 7th 2010, 11:24
This sounds pretty good. It''s going to be cheaper, faster and better for us regular commuters What I'm not pleased about are these two issues:
1) Why is it cheaper for Maltese citizens? Surely the government can see that this is discrimination against other EU citizens and tourists in general. Justifying it by saying that Gozitans pay cheaper ferry prices than Maltese doesn't impress us either. That is also discrimination. Besides, there's no such thing as a 'Gozitan citizen'. They are Maltese citizens like the rest of us with Maltese passports, I.D cards and whatnot.
2) Why does the service stop at 11pm? Surely midnight would have made more sense. This means that if you're going to a late night theatre performance, cinema, concert or to a restaurant for a meal, you're still going to have to use your car or risk being stranded. Why can't the service be more in tune with the times of activities happening around the island?
Pauline Peterson
Nov 7th 2010, 12:05
Good comments on both points. I certainly wouldn't like it if I go to another country and get charged differently than the locals. That is very much discrimination. And what about the foreigners who live and work in Malta? Will there be a separate tariff for them also? What about Maltese married to foreigners? etc etc.
John Matthews
Nov 7th 2010, 13:07
You said it DISCRIMINATION AT ITS BEST.
My wife is Maltese but not a Maltese citizen (we were married before independence) This means that she has to pay extra to visit her family.
This may well be challenged in the European Courts
What idiot thought this one up?
m lavelle
Nov 7th 2010, 11:19
The 'flexi buses' cause traffic congestion as they are too long to safely overtake and will struggle along the narrow streets of Malta causing nothing but mayhem. They have been withdrawn from many UK cities because of this.