When Transport Malta introduced third-party coaches and minivans to supplement the loss of the articulated buses, we had to bear with: no air-conditioning, high steps, broken seats, shabby interiors, large and heavy side doors on the minivans. The elderly and frail had to depend on the kind assistance of whoever happened to be near these unwieldy doors.

All this was patiently endured but offered free of charge – there were no ticketing machines on these vehicles. Not anymore! With the introduction of the new Scratch fare tickets, one pays for a normal ticket... without the use of the normal bus service. It’s a ‘lose-lose’ situation.