The frequency of maintenance on route buses has increased from once every 12 weeks to once every six-and-a-half weeks, enhancing the safety of passengers, Transport Minister Joe Mizzi said in Parliament.

He was answering a question by Nationalist MP Marthese Portelli.

Mr Mizzi said the increased frequency of maintenance was being carried out in a way which affected the least number of routes.

Between March and December 2013 the average number of buses out of service for maintenance had been 31.5. The average for January 2014 dropped to 22.

VALLETTA TERMINUS TO BE ENLARGED

Answering another question, by Toni Bezzina (PN), Mr Mizzi said it was calculated that the percentage of passengers wanting to go direct to Valletta was 78 per cent of the total number of bus users.

A study was currently under way on how the Valletta terminus could accommodate more departure points to cope with the increase in direct routes to Valletta.

The minister also said that all route buses are insured comprehensively by Middlesea Insurance, with Allcare Insurance Brokers as the brokerage firm.

The annual premium to insure the whole fleet is €482,000, including stamp duties. The terms are standard motor insurance policy, subject to an aggregate excess of €640,000 on third-party liabilities. There is a policy excess of €10,000 on every separate claim made by the Malta Public Transport Services.