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Monday, February 11, 2013, 20:33

Ministry defends bus fares structure after EU complaint

The  Transport Ministry insisted this evening that  Malta has repeatedly informed the European Commission that bus fares in Malta are not based on nationality but
on residence and therefore they do not breach the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

"Furthermore, Malta has emphasised that the bus service reform, including the
proportionate nature of the fares, is justified under EU law as it is part of a larger policy by Malta aimed at the objective of addressing congestion and health problems."

The ministry was reacting to a report in The Sunday Times that the EU has given notice of actions against Malta over alleged discriminatory bus fares.

In a statement, it said:

"With more than 300,000 licensed vehicles, Malta’s traffic congestion equates to 884 vehicles per square kilometre (by far the highest rate in the EU27 where the second highest rate is in the Netherlands at 244 vehicles per square kilometre, compared to an EU average of 69 vehicles per square kilometre) and 112 vehicles per kilometre of road (also by far the highest rate in the EU27 where the second highest rate is in Italy at 81 vehicles per kilometre of road, compared to an EU average of 10 vehicles per kilometre of road).

"The Household Travel Survey carried out in 2010 shows that only 15% of local trips are made using public transport, while 74.6% are made by private car; the percentage of trips by public transport between 1989 and 2010 fell by 42.9%.

"Moreover, qualitative research shows that 62.4% of existing bus users are bus-dependant, meaning that for economic, health or age reasons they cannot own or drive their own car and, therefore, use public transport out of necessity.

"In order to put the new fares into perspective, it is pertinent to note that the full rate (charged to non-residents), effective from 3 July 2011, is €2.60 for a day ticket or €12.00 for a 7-day ticket, either one allowing the holder unlimited travel on all bus services on the island of Malta.

"This makes it significantly cheaper than almost any other EU Member State.

"Malta has argued that departure from the current subsidised fares would, in a best case scenario, lead to no, or insignificant, growth in bus patronage. In a worst case scenario, it would likely result in a continuation of the trend of declining bus usage which has developed over the past 40 years."

The Ministry reiterated that the differentiated fare scheme, which is based on residence and not on nationality, is an essential component of the bus transport reform which has the objective of bringing about a modal shift from private to public transport, thereby positively contributing to Malta’s environment, health, air quality and quality of life.

"Malta considers that such a scheme is, therefore, not only necessary for the well being of its residents, but has been implemented in a proportionate manner which is in line with EU legislation. The Government is in discussion with the European Commission on the dossier," the ministry said.

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mary kelly

Feb 12th, 16:09

Why do tourist have to pay more I been to Ireland , UK I was never asked if I was a tourist or not I payed the standard Fare only in Malta I say

JIMMY ATANASIO

Feb 12th, 16:48

i am with you mary.why do tourists have to pay more.i live in canada and have been on very a many trips all over the world,and not once did i have to pay more than the locals.it's plain greed on the goverment and the bus owners.that simple

Peter Murray

Feb 12th, 12:14

Neither will you find wages here close to that in any other European city!Also is was stated here that our bus fares were "almost" the lowest in the EU-what country has the lowest and how many are lower than ours?

David Willow

Feb 12th, 16:04

couldnt agree more - wake up wee island and smell the pastizzi

David Willow

Feb 12th, 16:05

to be honest it really is irrelevant that its indirect or direct - it is still DISCRIMNATION

Mr Andrew Camilleri

Feb 12th, 17:47

When in London, I buy the Oyster card which gives you cheaper trips on all forms of transport. I ws never asked whether I am a resident or not.

David Willow

Feb 12th, 16:07

am sure if we all used the buses everyone would get to work on time...NOT......it does beg the question how does the bus driver get to work...on time...or maybe he doesnt and that starts the rot. An acquaintance of mine said recentlt that the last time he used a bus was to go and buy his car.....says it all really.

Mario Muscat

Feb 12th, 11:19

You haven't travelled enough in the EU. You should try Poland, Lithuania, latvia..... Besides, in the UK there are 3 prices if you want to study in some universities. One for UK residents, one for EU and one for worldwide. I'm sure this happens in other countries too. Talk about discrimination!!!!

Ian James

Feb 12th, 11:59

Yes and when getting across London we can all pay as much for 2 stops as a tourist pays to go the whole length of Malta! Everything is relative so stop moaning when you have such a value for money service.

Peter Murray

Feb 12th, 13:02

Mario Muscat you cavalierly forgot to mention that the UK residents fees are substantially higher than the others as foreign students are subsidised.

Mario Muscat

Feb 12th, 11:15

You must be joking!!! The price of a one week bus ticket for tourists in Malta is the same for a 20 min journey in the UK!!!! OMG

Mr Tony Gatt

Feb 12th, 10:41

Good on you Mark. We Maltese aren't xenophobic- just don't like foreigners!

John Dee

Feb 12th, 10:51

Good thinking Mark. Bring out the donkeys and carts again, because there is no tourist or expat money coming in under your plans. Close the hotels and most of the bars. Double the 'bus fares - at least you'll be guaranteed a seat!

Peter Murray

Feb 12th, 12:59

No one claimed it is better -just more fair and just.-other names for democratic

David Willow

Feb 12th, 16:12

ask ARMs if the id card is proof of residency mate - their answer is a resounding NO...unlike Arriva - and just who governs these two entities - hmmmm hard one that - you cannot be resident with in one entity and not be resident in another - another farce of the highest order,,

David Willow

Feb 12th, 16:14

a great idea Mr Galea - clearly and advisor to AG - alienate the tourirst and the ex pat community - good old johnny foreigner good for the money but nothing else. well its time for the piper to be paid....

jason thorley

Feb 12th, 20:11

I find your attitude completely unchristian Mark.Read article 10(If you can) its blindingly clear that this Arriva fare farce is discriminating against fellow EU residents. Admit it, sort it and move on.Or not and pay the huge fine that will be levelled by the EU. I would also like to point out that a whole load of "foreign EU member state" taxes have gone to Malta already,you want more? Greedy!!!

Kevin Fenech

Feb 12th, 22:42

Totally agree Mark. I reside in Australia and I believe that on my wage 12 euro per week is nothing to spend on a week’s travel. I can’t get to the next town in Australia for this small amount of money. Why should I enjoy subsidised bus fares when it is the locals who are paying the tax and keeping the busses on the road?

David Calleja

Feb 12th, 11:10


@ James Micallef - you're talking rubbish - I travel regularly to London, have bought an oyster card (and can return it for the deposit made) - and just use it normally like ANYONE else in London - I have yet to find an automated machine that asks me to identify my country of residence / nationality / etc ... why comment when you evidently don't know how the system works?

James Micallef

Feb 12th, 10:19

For London underground, residents can use Oyster which automatically charges cheapest possible fare, not always possible with regular ticket. AFAIK Oyster has one-off fee and requires UKaddress to register, so yes, Maltese DO pay higher fees in other countries. As long as it's by residence not by nationality it doesn't break EU rules

JJ Valletta

Feb 12th, 11:37

@James Micallef: Can you please check your facts before declaring your idiocity:

a) Everyone can buy an oyster card
b) In fact, you can order it online and get it posted to Malta
http://visitorshop.tfl.gov.uk/oystercard/product/oyster-card.html

There's nothing to discuss, you pay whatever that country charges - some are expensive (e.g Norway) and some are cheaper (e.g Uganda) - that's life!

David Willow

Feb 12th, 16:16

not just EU money Ray woods - OUR MONEY as EU tax payers in our home countries.....and a large contributor to this countries economy

M Borg

Feb 12th, 09:23

well to get an ID card one has to live in Malta so it seems that your soup will reamin empty in this case !

If you are British I am sure you realise that bus fares in Malta are a joke when compared to what you pay back home.

David Willow

Feb 12th, 16:21

actually M Borg-id cards do not prove you live or are resident here-you dont even have to live here-as many of your malti expat who live elsewhere would testify (albeit illegally)-i know quite a few who are not resident here but they still use their id cards-expired ones....and get the lower fares-not tomention they would get them anyway without even showing a card, coz they speak and look malti

Maryanne Spiteri

Feb 12th, 10:02

So Come 9th March the Ministry will be always wrong and the EU always right? Great defenders of the nation you are...

David Willow

Feb 12th, 16:22

would that word be responsibility.....

Jay Oatmon

Feb 12th, 08:12

I agree completely - having to use an ID to ride a bus is annoying and ridiculous.

The government stance may be plausible but the net effect is discrimination, and no matter how it is explained (and how much wriggle room there is) in the end it is discrimination.

Stuart McNeil

Feb 12th, 08:39

Excellent comment and so very true.

David Willow

Feb 12th, 08:52

these people know no shame...!!!!! disgraceful discrimination....

Alfie Lewis

Feb 12th, 09:22

I agree with you 100%. I am telling the Ministry that they are not saying the truth. I am married to an Asian women and the drivers
always ask my wife for the ID , WHEN i am with her I tell her,not to show her ID to driver I challenge them to call the police ,because only to them I show my ID or to the bank So MR. ministry it has nothing to do with residence but how once face looks.

Maryanne Spiteri

Feb 12th, 09:58

So many comments from people with British surnames when we know so well that the British are ID -card phobic. If you have nothing to hide you have nothing to fear. if Britain had introduced an ID system it would be a safer place with much less identity theft etc

Maryanne Spiteri

Feb 12th, 10:00

You have every right not to show the ID card. But then pay the full fare without benefiting from the resident discount. Simple, no? You wouldn't go to your local Asda and expect the discount without presenting the food coupons...

Matthew Grima

Feb 12th, 11:29

Agreed, why can't one get a bus card that can only be given to residents?

David Willow

Feb 12th, 16:25

@maryanne spiteri - obviously malti or maybe from Texas... - we shall, see how you feel when they impose a biometric id card to hold all manner of data on you- where is your privacy then...they have no rights for this.

David Willow

Feb 12th, 08:56

True Tessa - and a common misconception - although it can be argued that when you signed the application form for the old id card - you declare that you are resident here in Malta..accepted by arriva at government direction yet not by ARMs who are directed by the same government.....either way a SHAMbles and a disgusting level of EU national discrimination.

Stuart McNeil

Feb 12th, 08:44

Spot on comment--I am in the same position as you.What a two faced country this is.

David Willow

Feb 12th, 08:58

two faced and three tier pricing structure in shops too...one for the local nationals one for the resident expat and an other one to fleece the jonny foreigner tourist - SHAMeful

Mr Henry A. Grima

Feb 11th, 21:44

Tony, there are cars and cars; a high % of cars in Malta are 10 years or older.
And this trend is bound to remain as long as more modern 2nd hand cars keep the exorbitant prices they are asked for.

Vincent Bezzina

Feb 11th, 22:12

No conundrum. In London you get faster and cheaper using the public transport. In Malta not having a car is NOT an option - not unless you have a whole day to waste.

Buses are just another vehicle on the same roads as your car, except they keep stopping at bus stops, take you extremely out of your way and generally take 3 to 5 times longer.

I wish i could use viable public transport personally.

Paul Borg

Feb 11th, 22:50

We also have the oldest and most polluting cars per capita and depend entirely on one means of public transport. Maybe instead of a Gozo tunnel, they should invest in a underground railways ....haha

Wally Vella-Zarb

Feb 11th, 23:00

No conundrum at all. If the public transport were reliable people would use it. It is not, so they don't. Unless one is working on flexitime one cannot rely on the bus arriving at the appointed time; sometimes it does not even materialise. People who need to get to work on time are constrained to use their cars. I am retired but only use buses to go to Valletta so as to avoid the parking problem.

A. Sultana

Feb 11th, 23:25

What is even more funny is that cars here are even more expensive to buy, hence a bigger burden. Yet, we can afford to own more.

Nadir Sammut

Feb 12th, 04:11

You have to be careful. No. of cars / square km : Malta is highest in EU27.
But, also, No. of people / square km: Malta is high (I believe the highest) in EU27.
Also both statistics do not factor the age and condition of the cars.
How many new, dent free cars do you see in Malta? Not as many as in most of EU27. (Of course there are worse places too).

Peter Xuereb

Feb 12th, 04:34

Cars in Malta stay in use for far longer. This is a combination of 3 things: Cars get passed down through generations (Parents giving their children the "Old Skoda"), Cars are not strained too much by use (relatively small distances of travel) and, funnily enough, a car in Malta is the least likely to be involved in an accident. (Road layout rather than driver behaviour, I'm sure)

Aristide Galea

Feb 12th, 11:03

A simple ansewer Mr Gatt , A poor Public Transport System where a ten minutes journey with your private car it takes at least 1hr 30min by public transport . Sometimes you have to take two buses to make that trip . Further more whenever I go abroad I have always paid the same fare as the local residents .

Mr Henry A. Grima

Feb 11th, 21:34

It should also be a crime to say that Arriva, 95% of the time and trips are not in comfort.
45C; where on earth did you get that?
Get real.

John Cole Smith

Feb 11th, 23:43

Mr Henry A Grima, I understand , you must be looking at the bus temperature gauge. If the bus is on fire it will still read 15 degrees, who knows why?, also there are portable pocket digital temperature gadgets that cost as little as €4.50, that are extremely accurate, its 40 - 45 , also you can watch commuters alight throwing up on alighting. I am sure all the buses you board are 15-21 degrees!

J Martinelli

Feb 12th, 00:55

Is this another ad , "Paid for and approved by Joseph and the Labour Party"?
Get real and get a life.

Dennis Zammit

Feb 12th, 04:59

Scorching 45 Degrees !!!!

Are you referring to the same Arriva public transport in Malta with airconditioning? If if not, the temperature in Malta does NOT rise to a scorching 45 Degrees Celsius.

So, what is your point?

Ms. P.M Graham

Feb 11th, 22:11

Mr Zammit, everyone pays the same price for everything in London, which is the difference. It's not the cost it's the discrimination.

Alan Dunn

Feb 11th, 22:20

I resent your response Mr Zammit, Not all English complain and complaining is what you are doing right now, but you have not got your facts rights about Public Transport in London, because everyone pays the fare they are entitled to, regardless of where your a resident, regardless of what part of the world your from and regardless of what part of Europe you live.

R Slater

Feb 11th, 23:07

And of course you show your maltese passport proudly when taking London buses...No really...why not? Oh yes because you pay the same for bus fare, no matter where you come from...If you want a monthly pass...you pay the same as an english employed person...want to travel on a short public transport...well you can..it costs the same price...for everybody.

Pauline Thompson

Feb 11th, 23:43

This isn't about distances, it's about discrimination - non-Maltese pay more for their journeys. It's not only the British tourists who complain but all those who find out that they are being ripped off. In the UK senior citizens travel free on buses and paying passengers are charged the same fare irrespective of where they come from!! Everyone is treated equally!!

Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti

Feb 12th, 01:31

Is the cost of short public trips in London based on where you are domiciled?

John Turner

Feb 12th, 07:04

I'm an English tourist. Compared to just about any other country I've been to (and certainly compared to "rip-off Britain") bus fares in Malta are very cheap. There's nothing to complain about.

In Britain, rail travellers resident in a particular county can get a local rail card giving a significant reduction in the cost of off-peak tickets. You can't have a rail card if you're not a resident.

David Willow

Feb 12th, 07:04

Because Dennis Zammit - the foreigner is being ripped off by government sponsored daylight robbery and discrimination - it really is that simple.

David Willow

Feb 12th, 07:05

and having a maltese id card does not prove residence at all ( ask ARMs) - wake up man smell the coffee..

R. Lewis

Feb 12th, 10:41

@Dennis Zammit. It looks as if you have never been to London. Where do you get the information from. Not only that everyone pays the same fare, but even SCs they travel for free.

J Martinelli

Feb 12th, 00:58

Yes, Jade Schembri, that's what Malta got by not going for 'Partnerxipp'.
Some 2.3 billion worth of trouble!

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