A cursory reading of the contract signed between Transport Malta and Autobuses de Leon showed that this was an agreement to benefit the Spanish company rather than commuters, shadow minister Marthese Portelli said in Parliament this evening.

She said no one was believing statements by Transport Minister Joe Mizzi that the bus service had improved, even though the government subsidy had been tripled.

Not only was the government giving the company €30 million, but it had helped it with €12m for bus card subscriptions and an €400,000 information campaign.

And yet the contract showed how the subsidy could  be increased if Transport Malta added a new bus stop, adjusted a route, extended a route or introduced a new one.

It was no wonder, then, that some routes went on endlessly and needlessly. This was setting the scene for the company to make a claim for a bigger subsidy.

But what was absurd was how the company could even claim compensation if a route was removed or reduced if the company could prove that the route would have had 20 per cent or capacity.

What sense did this make? Could anyone doubt that this was a contract to please the Spaniards rather than the Maltese bus users? 

Dr Portelli said that shamefully, the contract did not provide for penalties if the company did not observe punctuality between bus stops and commuters were left waiting for an unreasonable long period.  

There were also no penalties if the bus schedule did not tally with that of the Gozo ferries in Cirkewwa and Mgarr. 

And where fines could be imposed, it was clear that they were not. For example, had the company been fined for employing drivers who did not speak Maltese or English, despite what the contract provided?  

Even the movements of the buses were not being monitored because, at least up to October, rostering software had not been installed.

Dr Portelli said the minister's claims of sabotage by some bus drivers had been heavily criticised by the drivers, especially the few Maltese who remained. 

Following the minister's declaration, some people were standing in the way when buses displayed the sign 'not in service' thinking this was sabotage. If this continued, there could be a serious accident, she warned. 

Rather than making irresponsible claims it would be better for the minister to see the conditions under which drivers were operating. Why did he not see how, for example, at 10.45am a bus left from Tal-Papa to Floriana on an 'empty trip' - meaning it did not collect passengers at peak time. 

Dr Portelli insisted that the minister should declare from where the bus company was buying its diesel at favourable rates. That the minister was refusing to reply could enable the people to reach their own conclusions.  

OPERATOR REFUSES TO PUBLISH FUEL DETAILS

Meanwhile, Malta Public Transport, the local subsidiary of Autobuses de Leon, said  it was rejecting a request by Dr Portelli to publish fuel procurement contracts.

"Malta Public Transport reiterates that it is a fully independent and a private company with a responsibility to its shareholders to negotiate the best possible commercial terms with all its suppliers.

“Since when are commercial companies publically challenged to publish commercially sensitive agreements? It is ludicrous for Hon. Marthese Portelli to be asking us, or any other commercial company to publish such information,” said Malta Public Transport General Manager Konrad Pule.

“As a public service provider negotiating good terms with our suppliers also ensures we are in a position to offer our users a better service,” he added.

Malta Public Transport said it is ready to work with all parties and take up different suggestions which help improve its offering; however this should be done in a constructive manner.

“Since Malta Public Transport took over the operation in 2015, we have invested heavily in all aspects of the service and we are committed to keep investing to see a level of service that is suitable for all. We are not there yet, however we are working to see our vision come into fruition,” added Mr Pule.

"Malta Public Transport will continue to work to honour its contractual obligations with the government and its commitment to the Maltese Public, however will not partake in the on-going political bickering."