Brussels still undecided on new bus fares
Brussels has not yet decided whether Arriva’s new bus price structure was compatible with EU law.
The European Commission has so far adopted a wait-and-see approach on the matter though the issue had immediately raised eyebrows in Brussels when Arriva announced a different price structure between holders of Maltese ID cards and non-residents.
According to the new price structure, those who do not hold a Maltese ID card – mainly tourists who happen to be EU citizens – have to pay an extra 40 per cent to use the same public transport system offered to the Maltese.
EU law does not permit discrimination based on nationality although it does allow different price structures when based on residence, an argument made by the government to defend the system.
Following various complaints, last November the Commission launched an inquiry to determine whether Arriva’s pricing policy was discriminatory. However, despite pressure from British and Irish MEPs to conclude its findings before the start of the new service today, the Commission has still not decided on the issue.
Direct parliamentary questions on the issue tabled by British MEPs Ashley Fox and Linda McAvon and Irish Proisnias De Rossa have remained unanswered.
The Maltese government again insisted the structure is not discriminatory and will continue to defend its arguments with the EU executive.
“Malta has informed the Commission that the bus service reform, including the proportionate nature of fares, is part of a larger policy to address congestion and health problems.
“This reform also takes into account the geographical and infrastructural difficulties in providing an efficient public transport system on the islands of Malta and Gozo,” a government spokesman said.
“Malta has considered different options to achieve its objectives; however, all studies indicate that other alternative methods would not be successful. Malta will continue to liaise with the Commission to ensure its arguments are fully understood,” he said.
The Commission said last November it was seeking to examine whether all the elements of the price scheme were compliant with the principle of non-discrimination (direct or indirect) on grounds of nationality as provided for in Article 18 of the EU Treaty.
A letter was sent to the Maltese authorities at the begining of January asking for clarification on issues such as the reasons for the differences in fares, what the distinction is based on, and how the lower fares can be obtained.
Malta had immedietly responded to the Commission, insisting that the new tariff system is fully in line with EU laws.
In 2003, the European Court of Justice ruled against the Italian government in a case initiated by the Commission that was similar to the Maltese bus case.
The case concerned preferential rates given to elderly Italian residents aged 60 to 65 for admission into museums in Venice, Treviso and Padua, while EU non-residents in Italy were being charged extra.
The ECJ had ruled the price structure as discriminatory.
“Indirect discrimination based on residence which produced the same result as that imposed by nationality is also prohibited,” the court held.
Should the Commission conclude there is discrimination, the Maltese authorities will be invited to change the tariff structure, which could mean higher prices for Maltese bus users.
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Nick Compton
Jul 9th 2011, 20:25
Disgrace having to have it that Non Maltese ppl have to pay more if ppl in other EU countrys had this on their countries buses there would be uproar. Bring back the old yellow Buses, at least those got you to where u wanted to go in a certain time.
Took my step mother 2hrs 45mins to travel a normal 45min bus ride to work...lol in that time she could have probably walked it to work
S. Camilleri
Aug 3rd 2011, 09:07
You are wrong... You may be Maltese but not a resident in which case you are treated like any other EU citizen- and have to pay extra.
The present system may be unwieldy and impractical to handle but it is not illegal nor incompatible with EU Law... If that were the case then anything that discriminates in favour of anybody based on residency will become illegal and this should include resident parking schemes.
J Gustafsson
Jul 4th 2011, 23:29
This is in fact a very strange policy that I have not seen in any other european country (and I have visited many). As a citizen of Sweden, a country with very high public transit rates, I cannot understand why I should pay swedish taxes (32% plus the 25% VAT) to support lower fares for all passengers in my home town, while still having to pay higher fares in Malta than those with a resident card?
Are we supposed to start charging higher fares only directed to maltese residents, as it is to my knowledge the only country that have this policy? This really is not what the EU is all about, and I really hope maltese politicians will get that message.
Also, as a side note, Malta is now more expensive than most swedish cities, at least comparing a single trip rate (which most tourists use). An upgrade of the bus system is most welcome though, especially the "live information" system announcing waiting times is an excellent feature.
John Allsop
Jul 4th 2011, 02:39
Dear Mr M Briffa Viva malta. Maybe after the shambolic start to Arriva's new service, tourists may well find somewhere else to spend their money, regardless of being ripped-off or not!
Angela lillian Carabott
Jul 3rd 2011, 18:35
After 106 years of using the traditional Maltese bus with an average of 50 or 60 euro cents latestes fares wouldn't it be a disadvantage of the working class citizens!
Mr Jeffrey Mallia
Jul 3rd 2011, 18:21
Arriva is discriminating bus fares even with Maltese citizens. If I, as a maltese ID card holder, use a bus in Gozo, I pay nearly double the price than a Gozitan resident..........That's totally unfiar considering I'm gonna use the same service, and it's simply ratial discrimination.
VV Bartolo
Jul 3rd 2011, 22:37
very well said!! same applies for the malta/gozo ferry boat. those with a maltese ID Card pay much more for the same service used by the gozitans!
Joe Fenech
Jul 3rd 2011, 16:22
Privileges for locals happen all the time. Take the UK: you have advantage cards which give you reductions on local transport, parking, etc. It is normal because it is the locals who pay national and council taxes.
Mark Heinrichs
Jul 3rd 2011, 17:41
I understand your point, yet the advantage cards are limited to the Borough or Town. In the arriva system, a "resident" travelling from cirkewwa to valletta pays less then a "non-resident" travelling from msida to valletta. Other advantage cards like UK Railcard or German Bahncard can be bought by both foreigners and locals - and there is no discrimination of nationality. Even foreign students and elderly can use the discount cards.
So far everybody tells me "but others do it too". If the public transportation service does this based on the argument "others do it too" then there will soon be a lot of other local services ripping off tourists, claiming "public transportation does it too".
Sure - residents pay taxes - but isn't at least 25% of Maltese economy based on tourism? Don't tourists pay tax as well when they stay in Malta? Just landing in Malta costs "non-residents" incredible airport tax and fees.
I read a quote from a Maltese politician earlier on saying something like: "If they do not like it, they are free not to come". Shouldn't Malta be developing systems to encourage tourism instead?
Mr carlos ellul
Jul 3rd 2011, 20:28
Its not based on nationality but RESIDENCE. A German citizen living in Malta will pay 1.50 euros while a Maltese citizen living abroad will pay 2.50 euros. In Venice I had to pay nearly twice the transport fee of a local and I was a tourist there. These things do happen you know?
Neil Cutajar
Jul 3rd 2011, 14:41
Come on...it's still cheap at EUR2.50. Foreign fares are usually higher so it's not a big deal..
elmi kader
Jul 3rd 2011, 20:13
it's redicalous that you talk like that be ashame Ur self.
JJ Debono
Jul 3rd 2011, 14:37
Don't misunderstand me my Maltese friends, i have travelled around to most parts of the globe, and yet Malta has the cheapest bus fares that i have ever come across, very very reasonable and comparing to ours and most northern countries its peanuts, come guys you can afford to dip down a bit deeper and fork out a few more pence, its worth it just to sit and admire the view. yes, maybe a bit of rock'n'roll music chacked in and a pastiz yeah, for gratis as a souvenir from Arriva.
Adele Mintoff
Jul 3rd 2011, 17:49
hahhaha:)
Mr Slim Bartolo
Jul 3rd 2011, 21:22
Are you serious, the next you will be tell us in Malta that apart from refresments ie., pastizzis you would also like see topless clippies or maybe lap dancers for the duration, well in that case i go along with that i have no qualms and i might even purchase a seson ticket. LOL LOL in your dreams Mr. Debono, still it would make a change i guess, we might even beat Germany to it.
Mark Heinrichs
Jul 3rd 2011, 14:16
I am extremely disappointed with the fare system!
I have dual citizenship (Maltese/German) and lived in both countries for some time. I always
encourage friends/relatives to visit Malta and use the bus system.
If Germany were to introduce such discriminating fares, the whole world would
start passing comments relating them to German history. Obviously Maltese residents will
not complain themselves - because Arriva threatens to charge Maltese the higher fares as well
if they cannot enforce this strategy. Very cunning, I must admit - but is this really the image Malta
wants to present to the rest of the world? Isn't this one of the many strategies certain discriminating dictators used to gain support from their citizens half a century ago?
How does Arriva Malta expect me to explain this mentality to friends interested in visiting? I really
encourage Maltese authorities and Arriva Malta to reconsider this decision.
Apart from this I think the approach to modernize the public transportation system is great, although
I will miss the old buses.
Mr carlos ellul
Jul 3rd 2011, 15:48
You tell them that the Maltese/foreign who are living in Malta are paying the subsidies through their taxes while those who leave abroad will have to pay it on the spot. It isn't that difficult isn't it?
S. Camilleri
Jul 3rd 2011, 13:36
Try to board public transport in Venice.. If you are a resident you get to buy cheaper tickets. And why not? So to those quoting EU this and EU that ... please do your homework
Mr Peter Murray
Jul 3rd 2011, 14:03
So Venice and Malta constitute all of the EU does it and two wrongs therefore equal one right?You should practice what you preach and do your homework as EU laws on discrimination are clear and concise!
Mr carlos ellul
Jul 3rd 2011, 15:43
In this case there is no discrimination at all. Some (locals and non locals who reside in Malta) are going to pay through subsidies while others (locals and non locals who do not reside in Malta) will pay on the spot. Or do you pretend to get on the taxpayers back? We're already doing that regarding illegal immigration which are the result of the big guys of the North mistakes and which we are ending up footing the bill for.
S. Camilleri
Jul 3rd 2011, 17:54
If you are a resident and pay local taxes which subsidise local transport then yes... discriminate; not on the basis of nationality because THAT would be against EU laws ... but on residency.
K Perry
Jul 3rd 2011, 21:18
Just wondering...are there reductions for OAPs using the buses, visiting from other countries in the EU?
There are reductions on the Cat going to sicily from Malta, and at a historic site in sicily there was free entry for OAPs, just had to show your passport..Just as there are concessions for OAPs from any country in the UK? Nationa trust for instance.
Sad if you go down the same route as Cyprus when it comes to overcharging tourists or even residents who are not Cypriots.
Mrs C Zammit
Jul 3rd 2011, 13:27
No matter what the EU decides I think one fare for all should be applied to encourage tourists use the public transport without feeling they are treated differently. Let them use the service as much as they will after all they will still pay more by buying short time tickets as compared to locals who can buy longer term tickets.
Mr Joseph Brincat
Jul 3rd 2011, 13:00
THE LESSER THINGS ARE COMPLICATED
THE BETTER ARE,
ONE PRICE FOR EVERY ONE,
NO MORE AND NO LESS
Mr Geoff Gibson
Jul 3rd 2011, 12:34
I am not Maltese national, but I live and work here and pay my taxes here. For that I am entitled to carry a Malta ID card. (albeit with a letter 'A' rather than 'M')
As this is enough for me to be charged the lower bus fare, Arriva are NOT descriminating based on nationality. They are basing the price difference on country of residency which is perfectly legal. (it states that in the artical)
People are also looking at it as tourists are being charged an extra premium. This is not the right way round. Tourists are paying the STANDARD fare, local residents are receiving a reduced fare. (and yes, I am aware both sets of fares are far higher than the old scheme, but Arriva are taking over the service so can charge what they like for the standard fare).
Remember Arriva is reviewing everything in 6 months. Routes, fares, timetables etc. If they lost a lot of tourist trade over the summer because of their pricing structure they will have to correct it. Can't people just 'try it out' and see if it works?
Mr Peter Murray
Jul 3rd 2011, 14:10
Any comment then Geoff as to why Gozitans pay a substantially reduced bus fare as opposed to other Maltese -as we are all Maltese-and why they also get massive reductions on ferry fares?So what is your definition of discrimination based on then -as this is civil discrimantion between the same nationality?Also you never mentioned, for one ,how much you pay for water and electricity and if that two-tier pricing structure is discriminatory or not ?
Mr M Briffa Viva malta
Jul 3rd 2011, 17:38
I guess this also applies to Gozo Ferries, they too charge a two tier system, unless one lives on Gozo, and yet the Gozitans want our trade, i think iots a bad career move don't you think, same applies to Arriva no difference.
Stephen Koludrovic
Jul 3rd 2011, 12:08
Oh its such a small problem.
Just leave it to our minister Gatt, all we have to do is to up the fares of the locals to that of the tourists.
Problem solved.
Mr Jo Camm
Jul 3rd 2011, 12:47
Agree with you 100% Mr Koludrovic. He solved greater problems which no 'great man' managed to solve.
Stephen Koludrovic
Jul 3rd 2011, 13:11
True with a carnage all around.
Mr Peter Murray
Jul 3rd 2011, 11:59
This discrimination in pricing and tariff structure is endemic throughout Malta and is incredulously not just confined to bus fares.Also there is further unacceptable discrimination in fares on buses and ferries between fellow Maltese based on where you live ,i.e. this being whether you live in Malta or Gozo with the latter enjoying unilateral major reductions.
Mr Tony Gatt
Jul 3rd 2011, 15:48
@Peter Murray
I have a flat in Marsascala (but live in the U.K) and pay higher electricity and water rates than people resident permanently in Malta so this is nothing new. Dr. Busuttil has said it is not discriminatory (regarding water etc. ) so not much hope there.
Having said all that, if I have read the fare structure correctly and it is one euro and 50 cents for a day round-trip I think it is not excessive.
Mr Peter Murray
Jul 3rd 2011, 18:46
@Mr.Gatt,
I have a flat in London but live in MELLIEHA and DONT pay any higher electricity and water rates than local residents in the UK -THAT IS WHAT IS NEW regarding discrimination...So what are you talking about?Also why should the fare structure be even cheaper in Gozo-thats the real issue?
Mr Tony Gatt
Jul 3rd 2011, 21:12
Keep your shirt on Peter- I meant this is nothing new in MALTA where ripping off tourists is a national pastime
Anthony Grech
Jul 3rd 2011, 11:24
I do not know if these rip offs on tourists are EU legal or not. All I know is that a couple of German tourist, friends of mine who visit Gozo 3 times a year and stay in a 5 star hotel for 10 days each visit are not so happy with the different prices. So pleas Arriva watch it. You too now have the responsibility towards our tourist industry.
Philip Pryce
Jul 3rd 2011, 14:44
Do your German tourists really think that 12 Euros for a week's travel on the Arriva buses is expensive?.... Oh pleeease!
Mr M Farrugia
Jul 3rd 2011, 10:47
Malta has informed the Commission that the bus service reform, including the proportionate nature of fares, is part of a larger policy to address congestion and health problems. Jekk intqal fir-rapport. Jekk veru il-kongessjoni fit-toroq trid tintaqa irid inkun hemm aktar dixxiplina. Ftit ezempji trakkijiet ma jipparkjawx fil-bus lanes biex ihottu ix-xoghol, tackijiet u vannijiet ma jaghmlux double lanes fit-toroq diga dojghod tant biex jaghtu servizz fil-bliet u irhula. Ma jithallewx zwiemel fit-toroq. Suppost hemm ligi ghaddejja, ipparkjar hazin fuq yellow lines li jaghmlu blind corners, u mitt kontravenzjoni oħra. Hafna minn dawn in-nuqqasijiet il-wardens ma jaghtux kazhom ghax hemm il-business fin-nofs. Dawn affarijiet li is-sewwieq jiltaqa maghhom kull jum ilna nitkellmu dwarhom imma hadd ma jaghti kaz.
Mr Tony Borg
Jul 3rd 2011, 09:00
It is quite NORMAL for visiters to Malta to be ripped off. Some ripp-offs are going to be legalized now. What's new??
Mr Paul Micallef
Jul 3rd 2011, 11:49
USE THE TICKETING MACHINE: Simpels.
M Muscat
Jul 3rd 2011, 08:19
If you try to follow a course of study in some universities in England, you'll find that there are three prices; one for British people, one for EU citizens and another for the rest.
John Zammit-Spiteri
Jul 3rd 2011, 08:45
what really disturbs me is that we have been discriminated in the gozo ferry fares. All Gozitans benefit from a very cheap fare regardless if they work or if they are filthy rich. Yet Maltese who work in Gozo dont get this reduction. Many Maltese end up registering their id cards in Gozo to benefit from this reduction, and I think it is only fair when only Maltese have to pay up high fares. This is unfair and should be ammended at least in favour to Maltese who have to work on a daily basis in gozo.
Ms Rita Smith
Jul 3rd 2011, 09:06
Different fees for university studies exist all over the world but in England when I took the bus I was charged the same as the English. Why do we have to make itinctions all the time. Can you imagine if we went abroad and were treated otherwise. Probably we will not visit that place again. Common sense should prevail.
R.Smith
MALCOLM SEYCHELL
Jul 3rd 2011, 10:07
and there is nothing wrong with that.. why from my taxes I have to subsidies the rest of the world?
Mr M Cachia
Jul 3rd 2011, 10:42
Rubbish - I paid the same fees as a UK student. The University only distinguishes between EU and non-EU nationals.
Mr Chris Gatt
Jul 3rd 2011, 11:00
M Muscat is wrong. EU Nationals are charged 'home' fees when it comes to University tuition:http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/tuition_fees_ewni.php#home_overseas
Daniel Goggi
Jul 3rd 2011, 11:35
I am currently surfing through some university sites in the UK and not only for a post graduate course I would like to undertake. NONE of the websites state what you are sating. All UK sites state mainly 2 rates, namely UK & EU citizens, and Rest of the World.. maybe accomodation may be different but definitely not the university course per-se
Mr M Briffa Viva malta
Jul 3rd 2011, 17:42
Re Rita Smith you tell 'em my girl, but then again its your prerogative nobody is twisting your arm to visit us, there are plenty more fish in the sea ................Yes?
Mr M Briffa Viva malta
Jul 3rd 2011, 17:42
Re Rita Smith you tell 'em my girl, but then again its your prerogative nobody is twisting your arm to visit us, there are plenty more fish in the sea ................Yes?
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