The start of 2016 has broughta big headache for commuters, such as myself, using thepublic transport.

Due to the draconian changes we are again being made to struggle to reach our destination, ever in fear of turning up late. Bus routes which for the last few years were serving areas such as the outskirts of Mosta and Naxxar have been discontinued only to be replaced by Bus 47 to Valletta and Bus 260 which goes either to Għarghur or to Mater Dei.

The taxpayer, who is by the way being encouraged to use public transport, is made to face up to this daily ordeal. People on buses and bus stops have blank, perplexed and concerned looks as they are left with unanswered questions and juggle connections to make their destination with the least possible delay.

It is becoming the norm to take two buses just to reach our capital city and the same to go back home. This of course also means extra wasted time, not to mention the stress.

The booklet distributed by Transport Malta before Christmas with the supposedly new routes is a waste of public funds and no help at all. Neither are there any timetables affixed to bus stops.

When is this dire situation ever to end? I invite Transport Minister Joe Mizzi to lead by example and start using public transport to get to his ministry and his appointments, just as we do. Only then he can really appreciate what we commuters have to endure.