A Maltese consortium raising questions on the handling of the bidding process to choose a new bus service operator is not contemplating legal action even if it loses out to a rival bidder.
This was confirmed by a spokesman for Island Buses Malta Ltd when replying to questions sent by The Sunday Times of Malta.
Along with Spanish group Autobuses de Leon and Gozo First Travel, the Maltese consortium was one of the three bidders submitting an offer, following an expression of interest which closed on April 7.
On Wednesday, Island Buses Malta issued a statement questioning remarks made earlier by Transport Minister Joe Mizzi who said that talks with the “preferred bidder” had started.
The consortium expressed surprise at this development, saying it had not been informed about any decision.
This is not something which Island Buses Malta Limited is contemplating
Though the government has not yet revealed the name of the preferred bidder, reports that talks with the Spanish company are under way have not been denied.
Island Buses Malta said no negotiations should have been entered into prior to the announcement of the ‘preferred bidder’.
Contacted on Friday, a spokesman for the consortium confirmed that since Wednesday, no contact had been made with the ministry, and that they were still waiting to be notified of the name of the preferred bidder.
However, he ruled out taking the issue to court should the government forge ahead with its plans and award the contract to the Spanish company,
“This is not something which Island Buses Malta Ltd is contemplating,” the spokesman said.
The transport minister had also reacted to criticism that the Maltese consortium received very little feedback since submitting its bid, saying he had always met requests for meetings.
However, it transpired that Island Buses Malta never filed such a request, fearing it would be disqualified.
The spokesman referred to Article 10 of the expression of interest which he said prohibited bidders from making any kind of contact with the government.
In May, Mr Mizzi had gone to Spain for talks with the foreign bidder. The Transport Minister had justified the visit by saying he wanted to “verify” some aspects of their offer.