Transport Ministry 'indifferent' to the concerns of the tourism industry - MHRA
'Malta will be the first country in the EU to have different prices for tourists to locals'
The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association this morning accused the Transport Ministry of being indifferent to the concerns of the tourism industry over the way the new bus fares structure was drawn up.
It said that a statement issued by the ministry yesterday completely evaded the issues it had raised.
"The MHRA has stressed that to its knowledge there is nowhere in Europe where Non local ID card holders are charged more then local ID car holders for using public transport. The Ministry of Transport ignored this issue and the damage that will be caused if this measure is implemented," the association said.
It said that instead, the ministry had dedicated most of its statement to underline how competitive ,or rather cheap, the bus fares would be for tourists.
"MHRA did not go into the merits of how cheap or not the fares will be, as this is not the point at all. MHRA’s legitimate concerns are about the fact that tourists, as commuters of the public transport, will be asked to pay higher fares on the basis of their nationality," the MHRA said.
"The Ministry then tried to justify their action by stating that the meeting held with the members of MHRA, higher prices were indicated as likely to be charged. The Ministry fails to state that MHRA did not go into the merits of pricing, what it is objecting to, is the selective targeting of tourists for higher rates.
"MHRA restates that to its knowledge Malta will be the first country in the EU to have different prices for tourists to locals. MHRA certainly was never consulted on this and would have protested in the strongest manner had it been," the association added.
It added that the fact that the Ministry of Transport referred to MHRA’s reaction as “hysterical”, showed how detached the ministry was from the realities and the risks associated with the tourism industry, and how insensitive the ministry was to the anticipated reactions of approximately 1,100,000 commuters of the public transport.
"The MHRA cannot understand the logic behind the decision that a tourist or anyone not in possession of a local ID card that boards a bus, is made to pay a different fare than the rest of us. We reiterate that in the past bus drivers were taken to court for charging more to tourists then to locals," the association added.
It acknowledged that the government had to address the needs of local commuters, but this was not the way to do it, the association insisted.
"The government should have introduced a system based on a uniform system of bus fares, and the introduction of a scheme for commuters, favouring frequent users, pensioners, students and so on, whom can apply for, or buy a card that entitles them to discounted bus fares. This is the system which is widely used across Europe."
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Anthony Pace Gouder
Nov 12th 2010, 13:16
Just thinking about it now! Aren't we all missing the BUS ! ....... and I ask . Why has the Hon. Minister A Gatt taken all the trouble to Announce on the 5th instant Arriva's operations in detail, raising this Ticket-to-ride controversy. His Prime intent was to announce that negotiations with Arriva HAD BEEN CONCLUDED , and the CONTRACT would be signed soon , FULL STOP .
I
n my opinion, athough his ministerial Portafolio takes in Communications Dr. A Gatt should have refrained ,even for the fact that the service only starts in seven and a half months time , from giving bus-fare details .
This,after all , is a Private Enterprise and information should be released by the relevant company PRO or the Chairman ! Morover, the Minister's responsibility is safeguarding the CONSUMER and not sticking up for a private firm, as he is doing . Even coming to a situation of contempt with MHRA !.
Above all , the Hot Potato ,at this hour is AIR MALTA ,and the Minister would do well to reserve all his energy and concentration on this PRIORITY, instead of alienating us on other, ill-timed (purposly?) petty problems when compared .
walter caruana
Nov 11th 2010, 09:48
We the maltese are a hopeless bunnch of grumblers and this takes the top pace, The government decided that the maltese should pay a little less than the tourist and yet reading the comments below is very tipical of the maltese gemgem. Although it is evident some are doing it to satisfy their political hatred against the government!!!!!!!
P. Montebello
Nov 10th 2010, 15:25
So now we have it from Dr Gatt. It is now official that there is going to be two prices for anything in Malta: one for the tourist (or for those people who do not have a Maltese ID Card) and another price for those who have the discount/ Maltese ID Card.
Taxis can now officially charge more to tourists: they can just ask to see a resident ID Card; shops, hotels, restaurants and anyone else providing a service can officially use a price for the Maltese ID Card holders and another for visitors.
Dr Demarco, are you happy with this? Dr Gonzi are you happy with this? If it is OK for the busses, it is ok for all.
patrick zammit
Nov 10th 2010, 14:39
A couple of weeks ago, I searched online (octopustravel.com) for a double room in Xlendi. I was quoted E45 for the room per night. Something told me to check by phone. The same type of room was available for E45 per person per night! When I complained, I was told that maybe their was a mistake online. I decided to have my holiday in Pisa insted for E47 per room per night.
Also, a glass of soft drink, a third ice cubes, in a hotel in St Julians used to cost E1.50 before the Summer, now it costs E2.50.
Maybe, it is not the Transport Ministry who is indifferent!
Anthony Pace Gouder
Nov 10th 2010, 14:34
@Christian Ellul " To make it FEASABLE to operate!"
Here we have a single private company , apparently monopolizing the local Bus Service , contracted to operate for 10 YEARS , hasn't even yet started operating and the Minister announces that it will be subsidised for 10 YEARS at eu6.2M per year !..... besides other hidden subsidies. Sejrin tajjeb !
Can we know exactly what's really going on with this government's policy regarding subsidies ,which BESIDES the Ticket-to-ride muddle, also goes against EU RULES . By the way monopolies too fall under the same agenda ! ...and that makes it three violations . What a mess !!!!! X'medjokrita .
S Zammit
Nov 10th 2010, 13:40
MHRA should look at it as a discount to the maltese taxpayer who is the stronger contributor, in various forms, to such transport services anyway.
E. Azzopardi
Nov 10th 2010, 13:22
I repeat that the MHRA is right about the 2% increase in the VAT, but not on this one.
There are many other things which are harming the tourism industry and it would be better for the MHRA to concentrate on these priorities. For example, one such priority is the filth around us, especially Sliema and St. Julians. Members of the MHRA should go around to see all the rubbish which is put out after collection. They should also inspect the beaches full of dog dirt. And that is only ONE example.
I am sure that tourists do not mind paying a bit more if they see everywhere clean. If you really want, there is a lot you should not only protest about, but see to it that action is taken.
H Galea
Nov 10th 2010, 13:11
As long as the driver can seperate the goats from the sheep it's OK. This rape has been going on a very long time, perhaps with approval of who???? Try taking a bus from Rabat to Ta' Qali the driver insists to pay the full fair as tourists. I even heared him speaking to ???? on the mobile that one passenger is a local, as if I don't have the right to go shopping, discrimation in my own country. Just work it out, Euro 1.16 per passenger for 7 minutes drive, One Way. See how much there turn over in three months.Their wage is more then yours.What is MHRA grumbling about, you have to go out and find out of this abuse.Even the ID card is not accepted to Ta 'Qali, perhaps it's the promised land. Better place bus shelters, instead of leaving tourists in the rain.
Ray Mangion
Nov 10th 2010, 13:07
This is utterly ridiculous and totally unacceptable. How the idea of charging tourist a higher fare than the locals was even allowed to be discussed, let alone approving it. We are going to be more of a laughing stock. This is discrimination at its best and I don`t know how the Ministry of Transport went along with it. When we go abroad and use public transport, we are treated the same as everyone else, none of this nonsense that goes on here. TM and this government is going to shame us among those who are our lifeline. Tourists will surely talk about this when they go back home and that is how the number will decrease. Treat tourists badly and you`ll see the effect from next year onwards. Basta qeghdin f`Ewropa. We still make jungle decisions!
Joseph Cauchi
Nov 10th 2010, 13:03
The MHRA is not contrary to the new bus fares, because deep down they know that these fares are quite reasonable, but rather trying to look good in the eyes of certain politicians by criticising the government on every issue possible, be it the 2% VAT increase or bus fares.
Perhaps some MHRA members are eyeing in two years time, by trying to play the political game and investing in, their personal future come the next general elections!
This is my opinion.
JC.
l fenech
Nov 10th 2010, 13:00
To what is the Transport ministry not indifferent?
Joseph Cauchi
Nov 10th 2010, 12:47
The MHRA is not contrary to the new bus fares, because deep down they know that these fares are quite reasonable, but rather trying to look good in the eyes of certain politicians by criticising the government on every issue possible, be it the 2% VAT increase or bus fares.
Perhaps some MHRA members are eyeing in two years time, by trying to play the political game and investing in their personal future, come the next general elections!
This is my opinion.
JC.
Simon Cassar
Nov 10th 2010, 12:55
Your comment here is truly political!!!!
The MHRA is obviously against any increase in fares cos it is obviously effecting thier area...BUT the MHRA said if the fares are really low, and they need to be increased, then they must be so for ALL citiznes..something which i think is fair...something which exists in ALL EU countries....it is the GOVERNMENT who doesn t want to play a political game since he knows that if he increases the fares for the Maltese citizens, then he might loose VOTES!!!...
i am not in favour of any increase in fares, unless the service is highly improved, but your comment here is really unjustified
Anthony Briffa
Nov 10th 2010, 13:24
I hope they will not end up like those retailers who destroyed their cash registers after the 1996 election results and then had to replace them at own expense within days.
As regards the two tier fare system for residents and non-residents, the MHRA should keep in mind that the Maltese taxpayer is subsidising the fares to the tune of euro 6.5 million.
The next thing the MHRA will ask for is free holidays to the tourists paid up out of our taxes, similar to the public funds injected in the advertising campaigns.
But nowadays it is the norm that there is always somebody, being either an association, or an NGO, or individuals to criticize anything the government announces. Typical Maltese gemgem who wants everything for free.
N.Farrugia
Nov 10th 2010, 12:37
Since the Ministry's arguments are more convincing than those of MHRA, the latter is now finding excuses to cover its face. It's no argument to say that drivers were taken to court for charging tourists more than locals. They were rightly charged because up till now fares are equal to both locals and tourists. MHRA should thank the Maltese taxpayer for receiving so many financial benefits to keep the trade going. But they are never pleased and always greedy!
Leon Zawadzki
Nov 10th 2010, 12:17
It would appear that the government is running out of idea's for increasing it's revenue's and is taking a leaf out of the books of many a restaurateur / shop owners by bringing in a two tier pricing policy. A price for the tourist and a price for the locals. Only this time with the image of legality. How is this possible in a supposedly democratic country. I believe that a can of baked beans priced at euro 1.00 is sold to every one at the same price, be you a multi millionaire, a student or a tramp in the streets, equality should prevail between the human race regardless of status.
Christian Ellul
Nov 10th 2010, 12:46
May i remind you that the revenue will not be taken by the government, don't forget that know a private company will be rendering the public transport system therefore the revenue generated will be taken by the company. The government will be only subsidizing the company basically in order to make it feasible for the company to operate.
Leon Zawadzki
Nov 10th 2010, 18:39
As far as I am aware VAT is included in the price of a bus ticket, therefor the government is making more on a tourist ticket than a local ticket.
E Gatt
Nov 10th 2010, 12:09
If the distinction between the charge for resident and non-resident tickets is going to cause such a problem, the government should consider spending the same subsidy budget on bus vouchers.
Resident and non-residents would all pay the ‘high’ price, but residents could then apply for a number of free vouchers upon presentation of their ID card or electronically through their government e-ID.
I don’t know if this idea is workable or legal but it might be worth considering.
Incidentally, a) what is the proposed ticket price for children (who don’t have ID cards) and b) will the tickets be bought before passengers get on or directly from the driver. A system similar to London's Oyster card would be great.
J Farrugia
Nov 10th 2010, 12:03
MHRA is lying.
Jennifer Depasquale
Nov 10th 2010, 11:48
In London, to get an Oyster card - which gives you discounts that make the high prices of public transport in London bearable - you need a London address.
According to MHRA, we should get rid of the advantageous Gozo Channel fares for residents of Gozo.
According to MHRA, we should start charging children and the elderly the same fares for adults.
Nowhere you visit would you get a week's ticket for €12.
If MHRA want to make Malta attractive for tourists, they know where to start.
AZammit
Nov 10th 2010, 12:19
Absolutely true regarding the Oyster card. Except if you don’t live in London, that is. In which case anyone, tourist or not, may get a 7-day oyster travel card from any underground station, with no questions regarding nationality or address asked.
M Grech
Nov 10th 2010, 12:46
I don't live in London and I have an Oyster card which I use when I travel to London. No one asked me for evidence that I live in London when I bought it. And I don't pay a penny more than a Londoner does when travelling there.
Charles Vella
Nov 10th 2010, 13:03
Jennifer to have an oyster card you don't need to have a London address. You can get an oyster card paying a deposit which is refunded if the card is returned or you can keep the card for your next visit.
Of course if you are here for a short period you have to pay more than what we pay for a yearly or monthly travel card.
Mario Montebello
Nov 10th 2010, 13:10
You're so right, Ms Depasquale. A recent development is that you also need to pay Stg10 extra to get a photo Travelcard if you don't live in London. Discrimination against non-residents is everywhere in Europe. Try to park anywhere if you're a non-resident.
C Cassar
Nov 10th 2010, 14:35
@Jennifer Depasquale: What a load of rubbish. Anyone can by an Oyster card from a machine in London. You certainly don't need a London or even a UK address. Plenty of Tourists buy Oyster cards when they visit for extended stays.
N.Grima
Nov 11th 2010, 03:46
I think you are confusing the Oyster Card with something else. All you need is to provide a miserable deposit which is fully-refundable against no fees, and you get considerable ease of use and lower prices.
Joseph Agius
Nov 10th 2010, 11:41
I do not want to pay more taxes to subsidize tourist public transport. When I travel abroad I am never subsidized on their public transport.
Robert Spiteri
Nov 10th 2010, 11:48
However, when you' re abroad you do not pay more than what locals pay.
All Gov had to do was make a special rate for block tickets of a month. No tourist (or almost no tourist) would need to buy a month's worth of tickets, but you would be providing locals the benefit of an option to get a better deal...very indirectly.
Mattard
Nov 10th 2010, 12:00
the point is that you would be paying the same as they would in other countries. the reality is tehre should be one price for all if this means local pay a little more then so be it if the service is that much improved it should be worth it as the prices are in line with other european countries, but lets face 3/4 or more of most locals drive and will probably continue to do so. So it shouldnt really annoy that many people.