Bus services for Lija residents

Those who thought of the new routes for the Arriva public bus service ought to resign from their position or at least be moved to another job where they cannot do much damage.

Before Arriva arrived, Lija residents had three separate bus services, No. 73 for the early risers, No. 58 and No. 40, which was very reliable. When Arriva started they had buses coming through the village core where an ordinary minibus can hardly pass. After many complaints they stopped this route and a bus No. 43 started coming to the Tower in Lija from Valletta. This service was quite satisfactory, as most residents can easily reach the Tower from their homes.

However, this service was terminated and residents now have to walk to Naxxar Road to catch a bus. According to the new bus schedule that appeared in the newspaper last Sunday, Arriva is introducing a new No. 55 route which should come to Lija from Balzan square and return to Balzan square. Can whoever is responsible for all this be more comical?

Now Transport Malta is telling us that it will be strict with Arriva. Is this publicity being made to save TM’s face? We all know there is no substance in this. What is happening to the dirty buses on the road and to the buses without the air-conditioning we were promised?