The taskforce created to head the transport reform has “achieved results” in traffic flow during peak hours, according to the Government.
It also instructed the police and army to prepare a plan of action to reduce traffic congestion, prompting spoof pictures on social media
“On public transport and traffic, it has achieved results in managing traffic especially during the morning peak hours and effecting better coordination between those involved,” a spokesman for the Office of the Prime Minister said.
The taskforce was set up last November – five months after transport operator Arriva took over the public transport service and a few days after a vote of confidence in Transport Minister Austin Gatt was defeated by the Speaker’s vote.
Headed by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, the taskforce had to create more coordination at a national level to make the reform a success, among other things.
It also instructed the police and army to prepare a plan of action to reduce traffic congestion, prompting spoof pictures and memes on social media depicting the army bringing tanks onto the streets.
The spokesman said action had been taken at all levels, including a “comprehensive and coordinated customer care process, feedback on the revision of routes that is ongoing, issues to do with the disabled and the fare structure”.
It also focused on day-to-day running including traffic management, punctuality and management of routes, the spokesman added.
The taskforce is still up and running. “Due to the extensive changes implemented over the last months, the taskforce is constantly monitoring the situation and keeps up to date with any necessary amendments that need to be made,” the spokesman said.
When asked about the cost incurred by the taskforce, the spokesman added that it was “negligible”.
The strategic direction and management of issues raised during the taskforce had been handed over to the Strategic Policy Secretariat in the Office of the Prime Minister together with Transport Malta and the Transport Ministry, he said.