I refer to the letter ‘Forced to drive’ (October 22) by Damien Fenech, who criticised the Malta Public Transport for routinely cancelling bus trips and leaving passengers stranded.

I agree 100 per cent with the correspondent’s just criticism because I have been experiencing such cancellations for years. This clearly shows the arrogance of the company running the public transport service.

It is useless making complaints to the company because there is no point. One is ignored.

On October 10, the 6.20pm bus arrived at the Attard ‘Katarina’ bus stop, where I was waiting to go to Valletta, at 6.47pm.

While waiting at the same bus stop on October 18 for the 6.20pm bus to go to Valletta I spotted a bus coming from Valletta. After some time, I saw the same bus empty, displaying an electronic notice saying ‘Sorry not in service’. I soon realised the 6.20pm trip to Valletta was cancelled. A bus arrived at about 7.05pm, which means the6.50pm trip was delayed by 15 minutes.

On October 23, a relative of mine who wanted to travel to Attard was waiting together with other passengers in Paola for the route bus X3 that was supposed to arrive at 7.43am. After quite a long time waiting in vain they all decided to catch a bus to Valletta. It was clear the trip was cancelled.

These are just a few examples that those who use public transport have to face day after day. As a passenger who totally depends on public transport, I admit that the present service is much better than the one provided by Arriva. 

But it still has a number of shortcomings and must be improved.

It is really a pity that Transport Malta is not monitoring the service Malta Public Transport is providing. The transport watchdog must therefore shoulder part of the problems.