Like many others, I topped up my Tallinja card with €10 to benefit from the additional €10 offer and travelled a return trip by bus on that same day. In my case it was on October 16.

I’m a car owner who lives in Valletta and only use buses for necessity or short journeys,especially due to parking and other hardships for being a Valletta resident.

My next use of a bus was on November 4, when I needed to collect my car from servicing. Having checked my credit, the driver said that I had €11.50, which meant that I was only credited the €10 of topping up.

I phoned Transport Malta’s customer care, to whom I explained my problem. They were very helpful and opened a report. I even received an e-mail of confirmation.

I phoned again to learn of any feedback.

The lady who replied was again helpful and lodged a reminder on my case.

She also explained that there were certain conditions connected to that offer and her final words were that the offer was really meant for those who frequently use public transport.

So, I ask: is there a difference between those who commute daily by public transport and those who use it occasionally for need?

Since I bought my card at an outlet and just dialled the number to top up, was I at a handicap?

As I don’t watch TV and rarely listen to radio to have heard the various adverts, am I losing on my rights? Then I must say that the offer was not entirely customer friendly.