When on November 25 I wrote to Transport Malta regarding the St Julians route I did expect, like everyone, some minor hiccups. I did not know the size of the new Arriva buses and I expected them to be normal. That they are not, everyone now knows. In consequence the minor have become major hiccups.

I hasten to record my deepest admiration for the drivers of these buses, more so those of the “bendy” ones who have to negotiate the intersection of St George’s and St Andrew’s Roads. I strongly suggest to the Arriva management to monitor this area at their convenience but as soon as possible because I feel that it would be most unfair if one of their drivers is involved in even the slightest incident unless whoever is responsible does not take any action to lessen this possibility.

The obstacles are far too many for me to enter into but I must mention one which is the most important of all, this being the safety of the thousands of pedestrians, including those with pus-chairs, wheelchairs, prams etc. and the elderly who wish to cross over to enter Paceville, as well as tourists arriving by bus with heavy luggage.

I have to record that except for the first three days which were extremely frustrating, the St Julians route service has been quite regular and comfortable. The only change as far as I am concerned is that whereas I used to go to the benchless bus stop in St George’s Road next to the well-kept garden and the filthy surrounding wall of the beautiful Spinola Palace, I now go to the terminus where there are two benches, thus waiting in comfort as well as avoiding the large number of commuters there.

For the record, my letter was never acknowledged and obviously no visible action was taken notwithstanding that I informed them that “I am quite willing to discuss in further detail with any of your experts the situation but feel that the answer can only be offered by your staff who are competent”. Perhaps I should have recorded my views because all that is needed is a little initiative and a lot of common sense. I also informed them that I have no objection if they wish to copy this to other authorities. If they did I do not know. Both these offers are now withdrawn.