Arriva's new managing director David Kaye said today the company had become more reliable and punctual, and although there was still a long way to go, complaints had dropped significantly.

Mr Kaye, who took on from Mr Keith Bastow, who resigned last week because of health problems, said:

"We've got to improve every aspect of the busiess and focus on giving customers the best possible service."

Mr Kaye during a press conference in which Arriva launched its Corporate Social Responsibility Programme for this year and presented some of its drivers with awards following a Health and Safety competition it launched internally last year.

The company’s CSR programme will see Arriva working within the Maltese community, building on the foundations laid last year with sponsorships to Inspire , the Malta Wrestling Federation and a donation from the company's employees to l-Istrina.

Central to its CSR programme was the launch of Arriva’s Għinni Nasal Campaign (Arriva’s Help Me Get There Campaign), which will see Arriva aid people seeking to integrate into society.

The campaign will provide free mobility short term to the people who need it most.