New bus service operator Arriva is not accepting further applications for management, head office, administrative and support roles after receiving more than 4,300 recruitment applications.
However, those interested in obtaining training as a bus driver may apply tomorrow at Arriva’s Training Centre in Ibraġ.
Nine Maltese driving instructors achieved driving instructor qualifications accredited by Transport Malta.
“The theory training comprised safety drills, eco-driving techniques, defensive driving and customer care,” chief trainer and examiner Steve Roberts said yesterday as Arriva marked the start of the 100-day countdown to the launch of a new public transport service on July 3.
Practical training covered safe manoeuvres, including roundabout approach, junctions and bus stops, observation and signals, how to conduct daily safety checks before each bus goes into service and instructional techniques, he added.
Arriva Malta Managing Director Keith Bastow said 125 12-metre buses and 49 nine-metre buses were being built in China while an order for 10 hybrid buses had been placed with British bus builder Optare.
The Optare Solo hybrid buses are nearly nine metres long, housing 28 seats and a total capacity of 40 passengers.
“Malta is going to benefit from cutting-edge technology in these new hybrid buses, which produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions and harmful pollutants, and have lower noise levels,” he added.
Eight of the hybrid buses will be used on three different routes in Malta, including the one between Valletta and the Blata l-Bajda park-and-ride.
Two eight-metre wheelchair-friendly Bluebird minibuses with a total capacity of 20 passengers will be used for short trips in Valletta. Mr Bastow said a €10 million technology contract was signed with Venice-based engineering and technology expert Thetis to supply and maintain the fleet management and passenger information systems for the next 10 years.
This includes real time buses control, passenger information feeds and displays, electronic ticketing, video surveillance and barrier and ticket management at the park-and-ride sites.
Work on the installation of new bus stops around the island is due to start shortly, Mr Bastow said.
Those interested in the progress of the new public transport service can register on www.arriva.com.mt.