Arriva still has a shortage of 100 drivers, despite having brought in 70 drivers from abroad, Transport Minister Austin Gatt said in Parliament today.

Replying to questions, the minister noted that he had acknowledged that Arriva was not delivering the service that had been promised. The company had a number of operational problems, and it is due to present a statement to the authorities today or tomorrow about how it will bring the bus service up to the required standard by September.

The authorities, he said, would examine the statement in the light of the commitments that had been made, while also recognising the progress that had been made from the old system.

Replying to other questions, the minister said that out of 71 routes, there had been complaints about 18 and these were being catered for in a reform of the routes announced last week.

Reacting to a complaint about waiting time for commuters, the minister said the main issue which was causing this problem was the fact that out of a planned driver-complement of 570, Arriva was still missing 100 drivers, despite having brought in 70 drivers from other countries.