Coaches of the Unscheduled Bus Service will be used as from tomorrow to augment the Arriva route buses following the withdrawal of 68 bendy buses from the roads, the Transport Ministry said.

Transport Malta told Arriva to suspend the use of the bendy buses after a third bus caught fire this afternoon (See separate story).

The decision to use the UBS vehicles was taken during a meeting between Transport Minister Joe Mizzi, Transport Malta chairman James Piscopo and Arriva.

Arriva will cover the costs involved.

UBS vehicles were also used in the weeks after the Arriva service was introduced two years ago, because of a shortage of buses.

ARRIVA STATEMENT

In a statement, Arriva said all articulated (bendy) buses will be temporarily withdrawn as from tonight.

"Arriva shall use its best endeavours to ensure the continuity of service on all routes and limit disruption," it said.  

It explained that the drivers of the UBS vehicles will not be able to sell tickets and customers should therefore purchase their tickets from ticket machines, street sellers or Arriva ticket booths.

"Arriva continues to collaborate with the (Transport) Ministry and the regulating authority in order to achieve a public transportation system that meets legitimate passenger expectations and that is aligned with Government objectives," it said.

The following routes will be operated by UBS:  Buses on these routes will not feature Arriva standard livery and will not be selling ticket onboard.

Routes: 55/63, 109, 110, 117/118/119/135, 120, 136, 201, 202/203, 204/206/210, 205, 209/213, 226, X1, X2/X3, X4/X5/X7

More information will be available on Arriva’s website www.arriva.com.mt or by contacting Arriva’s Customer Care Centre on 2122-2000 or enquiries@arriva.com.mt