Malta had the highest rise in public transport patronage levels across the EU, posting an overall increase of 39.7 per cent between 2010 and 2014, an international study has found.
The report, due to be released today, was compiled by a Brussels-based International Association of Public Transport.
According to the study, the number of journeys (defined as ‘board a public transport vehicle’) in Malta rose from 31.3 million in 2010 to 43.7 million in 2014. Over this period, public transport usage increased in 17 EU countries, though Malta was among seven countries where the growth was sustained throughout the entire period. On the other hand, Bulgaria fared the worst, as patronage levels decreased consistently.
Nevertheless, Malta still lags behind the European average when taking into consideration the number of journeys made in comparison to population size. While, in 2014, every Maltese inhabitant made an average of 107 bus journeys a year, the EU average stood at 131. The EU-wide figure, however, includes journeys made using other forms of public transport not available on the island including suburban rail, the metro service and tram.
From a wider perspective, in 2014, public transport service usage levels were highest in central and eastern European countries. The Czech Republic topped the list with 308 journeys per capita, followed by Hungary (292) and Austria (235).
On the other hand, Slovenia had the lowest patronage levels with just 46 journeys per inhabitant, followed by Cyprus (53) and the Netherlands (63).
In Malta, the five-year period on which this study was based corresponded with radical changes in the bus service, which did not always have the desired results.
In July 2011, private operator Arriva had taken over the service, which, for decades, had been run by a number of private companies and owners\drivers. Though expectations were high, the reform left much to be desired, forcing the government to go back to the drawing board several times. In January 2014, less than three-years into its 10-year concession, Arriva bowed out by mutual consent with the government and the service was temporarily nationalised.
The situation on Sunday afternoon or on a public holiday would be even worse
A year later, Spanish operator Autobuses de Leon was chosen by the government to take over Malta Public Transport following a competitive call. However, it turned out that taxpayers would be paying more than double in government subsidy to the new operator as State-aid had increased from €10 million a year in the days of Arriva to nearly €30 million in case of the Spanish operators.
The government justified the decision saying that this would guarantee a proper service based on a bigger fleet of buses, an expanded route network which was rolled out late last year and better frequency on popular routes.
While preliminary figures indicate that patronage levels had increased by a further seven per cent in 2015, the improvements promised in certain areas do not seem to have materialised yet. This is especially the case for routes serving Sliema, Buġibba and Mellieħa where it seems the service is not meeting the demand, particularly during the peak summer months.
This newspaper last Saturday visited Għadira Bay in the afternoon and witnessed dozens of people, mainly tourists, waiting in sweltering heat for their turn to board the next available bus. The problem is then being relayed to nearby Mellieħa and Xemxija Bay because, often, buses cannot take any passengers waiting at these localities because they are already at full capacity.
Frequent commuters told the Times of Malta the situation on Sunday afternoon or on a public holiday would be even worse.
The problem persisted in spite of the recent announcement by the operator that, from June 12, there would be increased frequency and extended coverage to popular beaches.
Furthermore, an extra 33 new vehicles were to be deployed to beef up the services.
Bus journeys in Malta from 2010 to 2014
2010: 31.3 million
2011: 32.8 million
2012: 34 million
2013: 39.4 million
2014: 43.7 million
*Source: International Association of Public Transport
Public transport journeys per inhabitant in 2014
Czech Republic - 309
Hungary - 292
Austria - 235
Estonia - 211
Lithuania - 206
Luxembourg - 203
Malta - 107
Spain - 85
Denmark - 81
Ireland - 64
Netherlands - 63
Cyprus - 52
Slovenia - 46
EU average - 131