Arriva today marked the start of the 100-day countdown for the launch of new bus service in Malta and Gozo on July 3, 2011, with the Managing Director of Arriva in Malta, Keith Bastow, announcing that preparations are progressing well.
Mr Bastow reported that the manufacturing of new King Long buses for Malta is proceeding to plan, with 125 12-metre buses and 49 nine-metre buses currently being built in China.
In addition, Arriva has placed an order for 10 hybrid buses with Optare, a respected UK bus builder. The Optare Solo hybrid buses are 8.8-metres long with 28 seats and a total capacity of 40 passengers. The 2.3-metre wide ‘SlimLine’ model has been specified to best suit the challenges of the differing roads and varying terrain in Malta and Gozo.
Eight of the hybrid buses will be used on three different routes in Malta, including between the Blata l-Bajda Park & Ride and Valetta; the Three Cities connecting to Paola; and a route linking Mater Dei Hospital, the University, Lija, Balzan, Birkirkara, Attard and Ta’ Qali.
Two hybrid buses will be used in Gozo, on three routes covering a Victoria city service via the Gozo General Hospital and the Citadel; Victoria to Zebbug; and Victoria linking with Xagħra, Santa Lucija and Kercem.
Mr Bastow commented: “Malta is going to benefit from cutting-edge technology in these new hybrid buses, which produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions and harmful pollutants, and have lower noise levels. The hybrid buses will help contribute to better air quality for residents of Malta, and our sister island - fulfilling its eco-Gozo qualities.”
Two eight-metre Bluebird minibuses with a total capacity of 20 (12 seated and eight standing) have also been ordered. “These will be used for short trips within Valletta and are also equipped with wheelchair access,” Mr Bastow added.
In the area of recruitment, over 4,300 applications have been received and, until applications are reviewed, Arriva has put a hold on accepting further applications for management, head office, administrative and support roles. “Appointments to these positions, and the re-opening of any positions not filled, will be announced in due course,” Mr Bastow said.
The recruitment process for bus drivers has been re-opened for new applicants. Existing bus drivers with a Licence D or those new to the industry that hold a driving licence and are interested in training as a bus driver, are invited to apply. Driver recruitment open days are being held today and on Monday at Arriva’s Training Centre at l-Ibraġ.
Mr Bastow went on to give details of the €10 million technology contract signed with Venice-based engineering and technology expert Thetis to supply and maintain the Arriva fleet management and passenger information systems over the next 10 years. The custom-made systems include Real Time control of the buses from a central control room, Real Time Passenger Information feeds and displays, electronic ticketing, video surveillance, and barrier and ticket management at the park & ride sites.
“Arriva is currently marking the sites of the new bus stops around Malta and Gozo, with installation work due to start shortly,” Mr Bastow said. “We are also preparing several depots where buses that are not in service, for example at night, will be housed and maintained.”
Further developments and progress anticipated in the coming weeks includes the launching of new professional driver uniforms, the arrival of the bus fleet as its production is completed, further recruitment and training advancements, and more technology systems information and the benefits for passengers.
Mr Bastow also commented on Arriva’s commitment to providing the Maltese public with as much information as possible to make the transition to the new service easy and attractive. Information that will be provided ahead of starting operations on 3 July will include guidance on how to use the new transport system, route maps, service and timetable information, bus stop and interchange locations, information on ticket types, and where and how to buy tickets.
A range of information channels will be used, including a customer service call centre which will be launched in due course, information packs sent to all houses on the island, Arriva representatives visiting towns and villages to talk to people, advertising and providing updates on the company’s website. Mr Bastow said further announcements on all of these areas will be made in due course, and those interested should register for alerts on Arriva’s website – www.arriva.com.mt.
Steve Roberts, chief trainer and examiner, accredited by Transport Malta and the UK Driving Standards Agency, who has been seconded from Arriva in the UK, gave an update on driver training. Nine Maltese driving instructors have been successfully trained and have achieved driving instructor qualifications, accredited by Transport Malta.
“The theory training comprised of safety drills, eco-driving techniques, defensive driving and customer care,” Mr Roberts said, “whilst practical training to Arriva’s high standards covered safe manoeuvres, including roundabout approach, junctions and bus stops, observation and signals, how to conduct daily safety checks before each bus goes into service and instructional techniques.” He went on to introduce some new members of the Maltese training and driving team.