I have been reading so many negative comments regarding Arriva, yet, it was only just 16 months ago that countless letters used to appear in The Times complaining about the previous bus service – the poor state of buses, including uncomfortable seats, poor suspension, interior excess litter, windows that could not be adjusted, no air conditioning, drivers’ scruffiness and bad manners, discrepancies in change given, one-handed driving while using mobile phones and/or snacking in between and, possibly, worst of all the filthy black fumes emitted constantly.

May I hasten to add that there were also a fair number of these buses that were a credit to their owners in cleanliness, manners, smartness, etc. It is worth recalling also that, owing to sabotaging, the service on Arriva’s first day, allegedly because of previous drivers’ resentment, plus badly planned routes by Transport Malta, proved to be additional unforeseen problems for Arriva.

Arriva now are moving forward. Routes are continuously improving, for example, buses are very frequent in and out of Mater Dei Hospital and the services from Valletta through to Buġibba is also continuous, as is the 222 and X1 to and from Ċirkewwa to Sliema and the airport. The Gozo routes also run like clockwork.

Of course, there are exceptions which Arriva are addressing.

We also have smart and mostly very polite and helpful drivers, tickets issued without short changing, etc. The air conditioning can be so effective, such that some passengers reach into their bags for additional clothing. It is also encouraging that inspectors frequently board the buses to check the tickets and also the drivers.

Yes, there have been accidents. However, many of Malta’s roads are very narrow, illegal parking abounds and the highway code is constantly flouted.

Very seldom do we see Maltese drivers giving a friendly courtesy gesture should a bus or car give way to them. This is common practice in most other countries. By all means, voice legitimate complaints but do also start to say thank you to drivers and show support.

Finally, there is no other bus company anywhere in the world which would not experience similar problems which Arriva are constantly trying to rectify.