The contract for a new public transport system should be awarded by May next year, Transport Minister Austin Gatt said this afternoon.
Speaking during a news conference the minister said that the reform was to be a total one and would not use the present bus network which was 40 years old.
The proposed network was based on the results of a household travel survey and based on in depth discussions with councils and experts.
It changed the basic concept of Valletta as the main hub and increases the routes, connections and frequencies.
Buses are currently used on route for only 12 percent of the time they are available. This had to go up to 85 percent.
The reform was changing the concept of a one size fits all and would introduce buses of different sizes. The aim was to have a network based on the needs of commuters so that more people used public transport.
Manuel Delia, the head of the ministry’s private secretariat said there would be a modern fleet with low emission buses of different sizes. Peripheral destinations, express services and an extensive night time service would be introduced.
The network had to be professionally managed in strict conformity to EU rules with regards to driving and rest time and the relationship between the ADT as the operator and the service provider had to be clarified.
Mr Delia said that apart from Valletta there would also be hubs in other areas including at Bugibba, Birkirkara, Mosta, Mater Dei, Luxol, Marsa, Paola, Rabat and the airport.
The network would have four tiers - main, cross, feeder and express lines.
The minimum service would run from 5.30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Bidders would be asked to propose a night time service and that offering the most comprehensive one would get extra points.
The reform, Mr Delia said, wanted to introduce punctuality, reliability, smooth interconnectivity and timetables at every bus stop.
While the current network covered 25 million kilometres per annum, the new network would cover 43.2 million in winter and 46.7 million in summer. There would be park and ride systems at Floriana, Luxol and Marsa.
Dr Gatt said that the road network would complement an eventual sea transport one.
The aim was to reduce use of private cars, increase patronage, and decrease pollution. The plan, he said, was to conduct another survey after a year to see if the new system was working.
The reform proposed was a radical one which the country had long been waiting for. It would change people’s lifestyle and the economy.
The minister said that cordial meetings were currently being held with bus owners to try to reach an agreement on compensation.
See full details and maps at mitc.gov.mt