A Maltese-born man has expressed distress at being barred from boarding the buses numerous times over the past 10 days because of his small, lightweight mobility scooter, which he uses instead of a wheelchair.
Joseph Aquilina, who was born in Malta but has lived in the UK for most of his life, is here on a three-week holiday, together with his 10-year-old son.
On August 6, the day after his arrival, he attempted to board a bus with his three-wheel electric mobility scooter at the Qawra bus terminus but was denied boarding by bus inspectors.
Mr Aquilina, 60, suffers from a damaged nerve in his back, which restricts his mobility. He can only walk a couple of steps very slowly before his legs give way.
“Back in the UK, I purchased this scooter on purpose because it is small, portable and specially designed to be used on public transport. It is very lightweight and collapsible,” he explained, as he quickly dismantled it to less than the size of a baby’s pushchair.
He explained to the two bus inspectors that he could easily dismantle it and store it in the bus’s luggage section but they were adamant.
“The incident was only resolved when I fetched a policeman, who informed them that I should be allowed to board the bus because it’s so small.
“I can understand the policy of not allowing larger, bulkier scooters. But mine is purposefully small to enable me to fold it up and travel upon public transport.”
The incident has repeated itself a number of times throughout the last 10 days with different bus drivers.
While some allowed him to board, others were adamant in barring him access.
Malta Public Transport’s response:
In a reaction, Malta Public Transport said: “Motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters vary in size and weight and many of them cannot be used on board buses as they simply either cannot manoeuvre safely onto or on the bus, or they are too heavy for the ramp.
“The company has carried out tests in conjunction with National Commission for Persons with Disability (KNPD) and with Transport Malta to enable Transport Malta, as the regulator, to issue guidelines of what can and cannot be used on buses. In fact, the Authority plans on issuing permits in the form of stickers, which will be able to be used to clearly identify which motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be used on board our buses.
“We believe that these guidelines will provide our drivers with a clear understanding of the different motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters that can or cannot be used on board our buses, to reduce the risk of any misunderstandings with passengers.
“We will liaise with Transport Malta to get in touch with Mr Aquilina to assist him accordingly.”