New public transport operator Arriva has signed a contract with a Chinese bus manufacturer for 174 new buses which will replace Malta’s ageing fleet.

Arriva, which won a 10-year contract to run the route bus service in Malta and Gozo, signed the contract with Xiamen King Long United Automotive Industry Co. Ltd (King Long).

The Chinese company will be supplying Arriva with 49, nine-metre buses and 125, 12-metre buses. All are low-floor and have on the cleaner Euro V engines. They would all be fitted with air conditioning, comfortable seating with adequate legroom and small monitors that would provide passengers with information, the company said.

Arriva’s project director 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. It is essential new vehicles greatly improve passenger comfort and reduce the environmental impact of transport in Malta.

We believe King Long have demonstrated they have the high quality manufacturing standards to produce vehicles to deliver upon these requirements.”

Hundreds of people expressed interest in working for the new bus operator that recently launched a recruitment drive ahead of starting operations on July 3.