I would like to share my experiences with readers after riding the new Arriva-delivered bus service in Gozo this week.

I am English by birth and since first visiting these islands in 1987, I am becoming Gozitan by inclination. I well remember the vagaries –understandable or not, justifiable or not – of the previous owner-driver bus service in Gozo. Especially for the tourist and the visitor, it was somewhat hard to understand and, therefore, to use.

The recently-inaugurated Arriva services are really very good indeed. To note just the following among the many more positive features: helpful drivers; comprehensive timetables; audio route information inside buses; integrated routes allowing interchanges at will; day passes for a reasonable, €2.60 even to tourists (cheaper for locals?); readily available printed timetables to help users; extended hours of operation and even air-conditioning!

I could go on eulogising the new(ish) Gozitan bus service but I am sure that readers will get the picture. I like it.

I do not wish to risk accusations of bias (I have no connection with Arriva whatsoever, whether in the UK or Malta) so I will stop there.

Congratulations to all involved. Keep it up, please.

One suggestion though. These King Long buses might possibly last a little longer between shock-absorber replacements if the drivers (or is it their timetable pressures?) took the rougher roads a little more slowly.

Thank you Arriva.