The public transport service has continued to improve, Transport Malta said this evening.

It said performance on routes 2, 3, 31, 51, 62 and 91 (Vittoriosa, Xghajra, Naxxar, Mtarfa, Siggiewi and Marsascala, respectively) was encouraging. Extra trips were performed on routes 3, 31, 51 and 62 during the morning peak to provide the required capacity and the more articulated buses were deployed on route 91.

Although the performance on route 82 (Birzebbuga) improved with all trips being performed at regular headways, TM noted that the maximum waiting time of 20 minutes on this route was not being respected between 8.15 and 9.15 a.m.

However, gaps in the service on routes 41, 52, 53, 71 and 72 (Cirkewwa, Dingli, Rabat, Zurrieq and Qrendi, respectively) were registered during the morning peak causing delays for commuters.

These shortcomings were brought to Arriva's attention. TM said it will continue to insist that Arriva provides the required resources to meet the requirements of the network, at peak times, in terms of the contract.

The situation in Paola Square between 7 and 8 a.m. reflected the positive performance of the routes operating through Paola. A resident reported that the trip to Valletta took her 25 minutes.

A Mater Dei hospital employee reported that there were no queues at the stops outside the hospital.

An elderly commuter residing in Valletta expressed gratitude for the service to the Floriana health centre.

TM thanked the police for their support in assisting with traffic management.