What Arriva bus service?

The service provided by Arriva from Sliema to San Ġwann and vice versa has deteriorated and at times borders on non existence.

There were two route buses providing this service, numbers 21 and 23, the Mosta and Għajn Tuffieħa routes, which were frequent and reasonably spaced so commuters did not have to spend ages on bus stops exposed to inclement weather or the scorching sun. However, these were discontinued and the new route bus number 225 was introduced to replace route number 23 but taking a different route through St Julians to Regional Road etc., at approximate half hourly intervals. I stress approximately as the time frame indicated on every bus stop on this route is never kept and not by a couple of minutes, which is absurd. Route bus number 21 was completely removed.

I cannot understand why the service is so unreliable and there have been a number of occasions recently when the service was not provided.

The previous route of bus numbers 21 and 23 through Mrabat Street, Sliema, might have presented some problems including that of cars parked on the road. However, signs were put up to indicate a five-minute duration for parked cars. What is the use of such measures if the law is not enforced? A warden stationed in this area would have a field day and fill government coffers, giving a helping hand in boosting the economy.

Further on, near Coppini, traffic lights could have been erected to solve the problem there. Surely one does not need rocket science to solve such problems.

Furthermore, the new route of bus 225, together with other buses diverted through St Julians, compounds the traffic chaos in this area and traffic is slowed down to a snail’s pace.

Commuters who hail from San Ġwann and work in Sliema, (hotels, shops, some on shift work etc) are being discriminated against and the powers that be, Transport Malta and Arriva have a duty to provide them with a dependable, efficient and reliable service.

Whoever is responsible for these sorry disservices and deplorable mishaps is not fit to occupy the post he is in. Reintroduce the old service of routes 21 and 23.