Arriva Malta Limited today signed a contract for the supply of 174 new buses by the Chinese bus manufacturer Xiamen King Long United Automotive Industry Co. Ltd (King Long).
King Long will be supplying Arriva with 49 new nine-metre buses and 125 new 12-metre buses.
All buses are diesel low-floor vehicles providing easy access, and will feature Euro V engines, air conditioning, comfortable seating with adequate legroom, and Real Time Passenger Information displays including next scheduled stop announcements.
Arriva’s Keith Bastow, said:
“Arriva is replacing a large part of the island’s bus fleet as part of our commitment to delivering first class service for passengers. As such, it is essential that new vehicles greatly improve passenger comfort and reduce the environmental impact of transport in Malta – we believe that King Long have demonstrated they have the high quality manufacturing standards to produce vehicles to deliver upon these requirements.
“Our investment in new buses and advanced technology for passengers is set to put Malta ahead of many major European cities, with a public transport system of which the people of Malta can be proud.
“The vision of the Maltese government is for a 21st century public transport system. Arriva, with our partners the Tumas Group, and suppliers such as King Long, have the skills and expertise to make that vision a reality.”
Arriva will start operating bus services in Malta and Gozo, under a 10-year contract to Transport Malta, on July 3.