The Consumers Association has complained with Transport Malta and the Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority about the public transport system and insists on action.

“Maltese consumers are not only paying higher tariffs than ever before but Arriva Malta is benefiting from an annual €6 million subsidy,” the association.

“Consumers were, among other things, promised new, safer buses, better access and comfort, new routes and times, a more reliable network and real-time passenger information. As everyone knows, reality is far from this,” it said.

The association asked the authorities to make sure that, by the end of the month, Arriva would be providing the service promised to consumers and to investigate the market to see whether transport and parking tariffs were just, considering the absence of competition. It also asked for the company to launch a comprehensive information campaign to inform customers on its service.

While he acknowledged that the service was not up to scratch, Arriva Malta managing director Keith Bastow pointed out that significant improvements over the old system had been introduced in a number of areas.

Mr Bastow, however, defended the positive changes the company had introduced. “Arriva Malta has brought the average bus age down from more than 35 years to two years and has introduced the additional benefits of low-floor access, wheelchair accessibility and priority seating for the elderly, disabled and mothers-to-be. Additionally, by far the majority of buses have air conditioning. Indeed, when we have completed the refurbishment the whole fleet will be to the same high standard,” he said.

Mr Bastow said the biggest challenge his company faced was replacing the 180 bus drivers who had not turned up for work. “In agreement with Transport Malta, Arriva had, as a short-term measure, entered into sub-contracting to maximise the service provided, he said. “The whole of the Arriva Malta team is working extremely hard and is focused on delivering sustainable service improvements.”

The Consumers Association has welcomed the new taxi licences being issued, saying this would lead to more competition and, possibly, “more reasonable fares” for consumers.