Transport Minister Joe Mizzi is in Spain for talks with one of the bidders interested in taking over the bus service.

A ministry spokeswoman yesterday confirmed that the visit was part of the ongoing evaluation process for the selection of the new public transport operator.

She added that the minister was accompanied by Transport Malta officials, including the chairman, James Piscopo.

Last December, transport operator Arriva quit its 10-year contract prematurely after accumulating debts in the region of €70 million since it started operations in July 2011. Subsequently, the government opted to nationalise the service until a new operator would be found.

Following a call for interest, which closed in April, Island Buses Malta, Gozo First and Spanish transport group Autobuses Urbanos de León had emerged as the only three bidders.

Since then, Mr Mizzi has consistently denied committing himself on any time frames or how much the nationalised service run by the Malta Public Transport Services Ltd was costing taxpayers.

However, last Monday, Mr Mizzi said in Parliament the process was “not far” from being concluded, fuelling speculation that an announcement would be made shortly.