Thirty-six buses are to be added to the existing Arriva fleet following an agreement between the Transport Ministry, Transport Malta and Arriva.

In a statement, the ministry said that the government's decision to change the route network, introduce new routes and increase frequencies on some of them, as well as a greater number of commuters, led to more buses being needed.

The increase, it said, should meet the demand of passengers on certain popular routes during the morning rush hour.

The first eight buses will go into service on Monday, the rest will be introduced into service gradually by the end of November.

The operators will also be commissioning contractors to support the service on some of the new routes.

The ministry said that 17 of the 36 new buses will be articulated, with each capable of taking up to 150 passengers. The others will be 12 metres and able to take up to 70 passengers each.

The ministry said that for the increase to be implemented without delay, the government was also temporarily suspending the aesthetic and equipment requirements of buses.

This meant that for a short period, some buses will not have the official Arriva colours and will lack air conditioning. Engines will be between Euro III and IV instead of Euro V, which is the fleet standard.

However, all specifications will be met by May.

In the meantime, the operator is to continue employing and training drivers.

Transport Malta and Arriva are also discussing measure for buses to be given priority on Maltese roads as traffic congestion is creating schedule difficulties.