The summer season is sadly drawing to an end and, much to my dislike, the first rains will soon fall heavily on our arid roads. The first storm of the season will cause havoc and mayhem on our slippery roads.

The start of the winter season also signals the start of the scholastic year which adds to our already congested roads.

Drains and gutters are usually clogged causing floods. Skidding sets in, causing crashes and accidents.

Needless to say the never-ending road works and lack of proper warning and detour signs all add to the chaos.

The worst part for me is that I will have to endure more of the radio breakfast shows and some senseless DJs as my customary 10-minute daily trip from Swieqi to Valletta turns into a 30-minute frustrating drive of fits and starts. And that’s on a good day.

The winter season, and all the traffic problems it brings with it, is also another hurdle in the path of the new public transport system and I wait with bated breath to see how Arriva will overcome it.

Many across the world would say that September 11 came and went without a glitch, but not in Malta.

Despite the September 11 self-imposed deadline to get the service up to scratch the public transport system is still making the headlines and there are still many mixed feelings among commuters on whether Arriva has delivered on its promise.

According to press reports tourists are still unhappy and many commuters interviewed on TV complain of bad service.

Let’s remember the new public transport operator assumed control of the service way back on July 3.

Although Transport Minister Austin Gatt was more diplomatic and realistic, his comment that “whatever is done, there will always be complaints,” is a true reflection of society in Malta.

I think that Arriva has to understand that change is an ongoing process, while the public needs to understand that the quicker it embraces and adapts to change the better for all.

motoring@timesofmalta.com