Besides the route and driver issues, other problems with the new public transport service, operated by Arriva Malta, is the size of the buses.

Some of them are being proven to be too large to operate in narrow Maltese streets, especially where traffic is two way and the above has become a frequent scene at the Rudolph Street junction with Mrabat and Rue d’Argens in Sliema, according to resident Joe Morana.

Traffic jam problems are being caused even at off peak hours with the resultant motor vehicle traffic air and noise pollution adversely affecting residents’ health and quality of life.

Mr Morana, an official of the Sliema Residents Association, said that two proposals had been submitted to the local council two years ago. One was to make Mrabat Street one-way, the other was to made Rudolph Street one-way.

Although the proposals were made to the council, Transport Malta, then the ADT, knew about them. No decision has yet been taken about them.

Mr Morana asked why the holistic traffic management plan for Sliema, which the council had unanimously decided upon in 2007, was not carried out before the new routes were established.

He also pointed out that the pollution that was now being saved from engine noise, was being lost through the buses' air conditioning apparatus.