Works on the new Valletta bus terminus are on schedule as are the infrastructural works being carried out on over 23 sites around Malta and Gozo.

Come July 3, when Arriva takes over the operation of the public transport, the Valletta terminus will be ready to operate.

However, there will be some additional works left to be carried out that include the installation of food and beverage kiosks and installation of permanent lighting, said Manuel Delia, the head of secretariat of the Transport Ministry.

The only one, of seven, kiosks to be up by July 3 will be Arriva's booth that would include information and ticketing services.

Mr Delia explained how the yellow buses will stop working on July 2 and, the following day, the new aquamarine Arriva buses will replace them. The old City Gate terminus, that had 50 departure points and about 100 idle buses at any one time, will be replaced by the new terminus with 15 departure points.

Commuters would arrive to Valletta through Sarria Street and stop near the Phoenicia Hotel. Those leaving the capital will make their way to the area near St James' Ditch where electronic boards will tell them what bay to wait on for a particular destination.

Mr Delia said works were on schedule to provide the infrastructural system for Arriva by July 3.

He admitted he did expect there would be some problems that would have to be seen to and ironed out in the initial stages.

However, there was always the possibility to revise the routes and service for improvement. He added that the service would be accessible to all. including people with disabilities.

Transport Malta was collaborating with the Blind Persons' Association to train guide dogs to adapt to the new terminus.