Arriva said today it delivered its response to the Ministry of Transport’s report into the investigation of vehicle fires.

It did not say what its response said but that included a detailed plan to address all recommendations made to restore public confidence.

It also said it carried out a detailed examination of the reports presented to them, taking advice from technical experts including vehicle manufacturers.

Relevant certificates for any adjustments made to the vehicles since manufacture were also submitted.

Arriva said it now awaited Transport Malta's approval to commence the certification process prior to reintroducing the vehicles to serve the Maltese travelling public.

In comments to the media, Transport Minister Joe Mizzi said he has rejected a proposal for Mercedes to certify the Arriva bendy buses.

He said it had been agreed with Arriva that the buses would be inspected and certified by an independent, internationally certified institution. But Mercedes was unacceptable because it was the buses' manufacturer.

He said the bendy buses would remain off the roads until the Government and Transport Malta were assured of their safety.