I use buses every day and happen to live close to Dun Karm Psaila Road (Birkirkara Bypass). Up to December 20, we were very well served by bus routes 31 and 37.

The frequency of bus route 31 was every 20 minutes leaving Valletta and it was well patronised since it met the needs of a multitude of students going to Junior College, University, Mater Dei, Upper Secondary in Naxxar and also the Arts And Design Centre at Tarġa Gap.

The new route, which has been reduced by a trip per hour (leaving every 30 minutes from Valletta), does not meet the needs of many people and it would have been much better had the frequency been increased to six departures per hour.

With regard to bus route 37, now replaced by route number 49, this is even worse. Before, it used to leave Valletta (final destination Ċirkewwa), which in itself was a blessing for Gozitan students returning home from Junior College in Msida, the University, Mater Dei, and Upper Secondary, as well as for Santa Margerita residents. Now it does not pass through the Regional Road from Msida Valley towards University and Mater Dei but passes through Msida Valley Road towards Naxxar Road, thus depriving many commuters of such an efficient and well-utilised bus route.

These changes have created a mess, a lot of hardship and problems for those who were prevously well served. It is evident that no research was carried out and no public opinion was sought prior to adopting the amendments.

Transport Malta, Autobuses de Leon and all concerned, you are responsible for this complete mess.