A detailed information campaign on the new bus fare structure will be unveiled in March, in preparation for July when it will come into force, Transport Minister Joe Mizzi said this morning.

Addressing social partners at the Malta Council of Economic and Social Development which was convened to discuss the public transport reform, Mr Mizzi said that the new service will be "credible and efficient".

Commenting on his controversial visit to Spain, when he toured the facilities of one of the bidders while the adjudication process was still in progress, he said he wanted to verify that their vehicle tracking system and IT network was up to standard.

"Due to my work experience at a data tracking company, I felt I had an edge on the subject and so decided to verify for myself whether the ministry would be able to monitor the buses, as specified in the expression if interest," he said.

As for the gradual takeover by Spanish company Autobuses de Leon which commenced on January 8, he said the first new buses will be delivered in May, with the intention of having 142 new nine-metre vehicles in operation by October.