The bendy buses will remain off the roads for the time being, and the government has given Arriva two days to react to a technical report presented to Transport Minister Joe Mizzi.

In a statement, the Transport Ministry said Mr Mizzi was given a full copy of the technical report today and he discussed it with Arriva and Transport Malta officials this afternoon.

Arriva was asked to give its reply to the report within 48 hours. The minister told the Arriva officials that the use of the bendy buses would continue to be suspended and he will await the outcome of a Magisterial inquiry.

The buses were taken off the roads after three of them caught fire in as many days just over two weeks ago. Coaches of the Unscheduled Bus Service are being used on some of the routes.

The conclusions of the technical report have not been disclosed.

Arriva refused to comment.

Below are the minister's comments this morning, before his meeting with Arriva.

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