They have been the brunt of many bone-rattling jokes and the topic of several column inches of bad press, but tourists had a soft spot for the old buses. As the King of the Road ends its reign, Ariadne Massa finds most people will heave a breath of fresh air.

Ċensu Galea

Nationalist MP and former Transport Minister

Seeing the old buses go is not a question of nostalgia. Of course, in terms of the buses’ appearance it’s totally different, and when it comes to service we have to wait and see – I hope it will succeed, though I still have a few doubts.

At the end of the day, bus reform, in some shape or other, has been on the agenda for many years with the sole aim being of improving the public transport service.

Hopefully, Arriva will turn out to be better, and I’m sure there will be fewer vehicles belching smoke on our roads. Having said that, I still believe most people will opt to use their car because it’s what they have been used to.

Attitudes have to change and not just that of drivers, but also, dare I say, of the public towards the drivers.

There will always be confusion at the start, because it’s a major change, but the end goal of the reform is to provide commuters with an improved service. Let’s hope this will happen.

Twanny Cassar

Bus driver, 45, who has been working in the sector for 27 years

I’m sad to see the old trucks go. They had character while the new buses all have the same features. It’s true we’re accused of causing pollution, but when you know things are coming to an end, you stop investing in your bus, especially if it’s going to be scrapped. Tourists prefer to ride on the old truck – they’re more historical.

A lot has had to change – we’ve been told to hide all our tattoos, but what do I do with the one behind my ear; we also cannot have a radio to listen to the news of the day...

At the moment I have a heavy heart because we feel betrayed by the new operator, Arriva. We signed an agreement to work one way and now the goalposts have shifted. It’s just not fair. The way things stand I have to work two weeks to get the salary I was receiving in a week.

Our morale was high because we were promised so many things. But how can we face commuters with a smile when we are so disillusioned?

Reuben Cassar

A 20-year-old who uses the bus three to four times a week

There’s not much to miss about the old buses – they pollute, they make you swear when you’ve been on the bus stop for too long, and in summer they’re too hot.

I look forward to having better connections because sometimes it can take me two hours to travel between Qormi and Mellieħa, where my girlfriend lives. At weekends I never bothered using public transport and I’d either catch a lift with my friends or share the cost of a minivan.

I’m looking forward to having air-conditioned buses and an efficient schedule. I’m expecting an improved service and I hope Arriva lives up to my expectations.

George Debono

Environmentalist and author of the report Towards a Low Carbon Society

I am absolutely positively in favour of the new buses and am looking forward to having less pollution on our streets. I hope the buses will remain compliant with EU standards and that they will not start using inferior diesel or they’ll start polluting again.

Pity we only opted for road public service without considering an extensive harbour ferry service connecting Sliema, Gżira and Valletta to the other side of the harbour and providing a low-carbon solution for those who live in the harbour area. It could be a boon to the tourist industry and business in Valletta.

It’s a shame that old buses were allowed to pollute so profusely for so many years. It’s a pity a lot of harm has been done to the young growing generation.

Definitely good riddance to the old buses and I welcome the new buses which I intend to use as much as possible when I’m not riding my bike. You don’t need to look like a dork to cycle to work – we need to change this image.

I’m optimistic about the new buses, but worried that after decades of becoming addicted to our cars, it’ll take a lot to get people out of their vehicles. For too long we’ve built the roads only for cars, not for pedestrians or cyclists.

Keith Till

Retired transport photojournalist from the UK, a regular visitor to Malta

Although the transport enthusiasts who visit Malta and Gozo to study the old buses are very sad at their demise, they do recognise the fact that these changes to the public transport services are long overdue.

However, the Maltese government must not let the opportunity to obtain the best of both worlds pass it by. There are many bus owners who are retaining their vehicles, as many of the old buses have been in the family for generations.

These, together with the ones which the government is passing on to Heritage Malta could form the basis of a heritage routes’ fleet. They could operate tourist routes which would not be in competition with the Arriva operations.

As well as continuing to bring transport enthusiasts income to Malta it would also generate extra tourist income as many of them like to ride around on the older buses as part of their holiday. It is up to the government to license these for use on public roads.

Turning to the new Arriva operations I am concerned that certain citizens are already complaining about their operations even before they begin. For goodness sake, give Arriva a chance to show what they can do and then criticise if you do not like what you find.

I think you will find that travelling on low-floor, low-emission, air-conditioned buses is vastly superior to what you are used to.

Annette Attard

A 62-year-old from Guardamangia who prefers to use her car

I will actually consider taking the bus from now on if the new buses deliver on their promise of an improved service. I have to say my opinion of the current system isn’t high and you keep hearing about commuters’ bad experiences.

The other day, my granddaughter gave the bus driver €1 for her fare of 47c, but she never got her change. When she politely asked for her money, the bus driver barked at her and told her: “Don’t say another word or I’ll drop you off right here.”

Very often drivers were arrogant and rude, plus the buses polluted everywhere, so I’m not sad or nostalgic to see the buses go. I’m actually looking forward to a fast and efficient service.

Mariella Buontempo

Visiting Valletta with her 10-year-old son to take photos of the old buses

In one sense I’m happy to see the back of the polluting buses, but on the other hand they’re a major tourist attraction, which is closely connected to our recent history.

I would have considered keeping more of them on the road, and having them upgraded just for tourists to ride. We could possibly have a transport museum.

I’m expecting an efficient bus service that will lure me into using the public transport more.

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