I thought that monopoly was over in this country but the arrival of Arriva gives the impression that it has only changed ownership.
I can understand that an increase in bus fares is a normal thing as there is a guarantee of punctuality, efficiency and decent buses. However at present I am paying 94c two ways from Sliema to Valletta. With Arriva I will have to pay €2.60 every time I take the trip, an increase of 175 per cent. I do not wish to use 30-day and 90-day tickets.
What I don’t agree with is having to pay the same fare as people taking four buses. This is discrimination. It is more acceptable for people like me to pay €1.50 for two ways.
It is not correct to say that our transport is the cheapest in Europe as the price has to be seen in relation to our salaries.