Arriva Malta said this morning that most bus services are expected to operate with only minor delays this morning.
"Arriva is pleased to say that following a weekend of training and introduction of UK drivers, plus the temporary sub-contracting of certain feeder services, the majority of bus services are operating with only minor delays expected this morning," the bus service operator said.
Arriva Director Piers Marlow added: "We are pleased that our efforts have paid off this morning and that this represents the beginning of a more settled period of service for our customers."
The bus service was introduced a week ago yesterday, but was plagued by delays caused by a no show by scores of drivers. It also suffered software problems.
NO SHOW DRIVERS TO BE SACKED
Arriva is expected to sack the "vast majority" of the 180 bus drivers who did not report for duty last week, a company spokesman said. Some dismissals have already been made.
The no-shows, combined with a number of buses breaking down and problems with the computer system, led to a chaotic launch of the new service that had been billed as a revolution for Maltese public transport.
The company's HR department is now contacting the drivers who did not show up "to confirm each person's position".
A small number had contacted the company before their first day of work to tell them they would not go through with their contract. However, many others simply chose not to show up.
"We have managed to get through to some who did not turn up and some have told us they don't want to work for us, and they've been dismissed," the spokesman said.
He added the company was ready to hear out the drivers who still wanted to work for Arriva and had valid reasons for not coming in but those who had not such reason would also be dismissed.
An "outstanding" number of drivers had not been reached and they could not be formally fired until the company heard them out. "I expect the vast majority to be dismissed," the spokesman said.
The company also distanced itself from the comments of the Transport Ministry's Head of Secretariat Emanuel Delia who suggested that the no-shows may have been planned sabotage by drivers from the former regime.