The Alternattiva Demokratika spokesman for public transport, Ralph Cassar, has urged the government to push for a renewal of the bus fleet with buses which produce less emissions and are more comfortable for passengers.

"Having a public transport system which uses buses which are 30 years old or even older, which fail modern emission tests, goes to show that this important area has been neglected for far too long," he said in a statement.

"Old buses or at least bus engines which fail today’s stricter standards should be written off and replaced." He claimed that a significant number of buses are not roadworthy.

"In this day and age we still are using buses with no space for wheelchairs or pushchairs or bicycles and which are difficult for some people to use. It is high time for real change in this sector. Government should stop giving in to those who want to preserve the status quo at the expense of our quality of life."

AD chairman Arnold Cassola said the buses should use cleaner fuels like LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) or CNG (compressed natural gas) and electric buses can also be introduced.

"Although some 'old' buses can be kept to be used on tourist or scenic routes, they should be refitted with modern and cleaner engines and other safety features as may be necessary. Other old buses can be repainted in their original village colours of over 40 years ago and transferred to a transport museum where other modes of transport form the past can be displayed."