Not surprisingly, ever since the government exerted pressure on Arriva to leave Malta, the bus service has been in a serious state of decline.

In addition to the €40,000 per day being paid for the leasing of vehicles, an additional €45 million will be required to ensure that public transport can continue to function.

Arrangements are also in place for the leasing of 50 vehicles from the UK in anticipation of the summer tourist season. This also comes at a heavy cost.

Considering that the current contract buses, introduced after the bendy buses left the scene, still lack ticket machines and fares are often not charged, this also adds to the taxpayers’ bill. These buses, furthermore, do not cater either for wheelchairs or for pushchairs.

I seem to remember Joseph Muscat and Joe Mizzi assuring the public that we would soon have a first class bus service now that Arriva had left. Mizzi also mentioned that a Plan B would be put into effect in event of any hiccups. This has proven not to be the case.

Many of the contract buses are unfit for public service as they are very uncomfortable and lack bells, rails to hold on to, air conditioning and windows that open easily. Some even emit black fumes.

The minivan service from Ta’ Qali to Mater Dei Hospital and Valletta is very inefficient and uncomfortable. Timetables are not adhered to, passenger comfort is disregarded, there is no access for the handicapped and most doors require an effort to open and close. One also has to shout at the driver to stop as no bells exist.