More than 700 people have expressed interest in working for the new bus operator Arriva, the company said yesterday.

There has been significant interest since Arriva launched a recruitment drive ahead of starting operations on July 3.

Arriva is looking to recruit more than 700 drivers and also has a range of operational support positions to fill, including driver trainers, depot supervisors, operations controllers and ticketing and revenue assistants.

Arriva’s director of development Keith Bastow said: “We are creating significant new job opportunities and I am convinced there is a huge amount of talent in Malta waiting to be tapped.  We are confident of building a team that will provide the backbone of our successful local operation.”

The General Workers’ Union has started holding meetings with the management of Arriva to clarify certain conditions in the work contract being offered to bus drivers.

In a statement issued yesterday, the union said it represented the majority of bus drivers and inspectors. Bus owners are also expected to join the union.

Over the next few days, the union said it would hold a meeting with the Public Transport Association requesting official recognition of the workers.

For several years, bus drivers were represented by an association for the self-employed, but now that the drivers will be employed by Arriva, they will form part of the private sector.

The GWU said it would also contact Arriva to inform the management that the union represented the majority of the bus drivers.

According to an agreement reached between government and the bus drivers, those who chose to stay on at Arriva were guaranteed employment for 10 years.

A total of 405 bus drivers – 215 owners/drivers, 10 owners and 180 employed drivers – agreed to work with the new operator and abide by conditions, which include training.

Further details on the positions at Arriva are available on tel. 2310 1101 or www.arriva.com.mt.