A few days before the changeover to the new currency, the Malta Transport Authority yesterday announced bus fares and other fees in euro, most of which have been rounded down.

Roads Minister Jesmond Mugliett said the rounding down had been done in line with the government's policy that the euro changeover should not lead to price increases. It led to slight reductions in bus fares, he said.

Public transport, which is used by an average 32 million passengers every year, remained sustainable, he added.

The minister said drivers have been trained for the change and will be doing their best to ensure a smooth process during the changeover period.

The chairman of the National Euro Changeover Committee, Joseph F.X. Zahra, expressed his satisfaction that a number of fares have been rounded down, adding that this should serve as an example to private industry.

He urged commuters to use the exact change during the first few days of the euro changeover in order to avoid extra hassles for bus drivers.

Mr Mugliett reported a good turnout by commuters for the free public service between December 22 and 24. As tickets were not issued, statistics on the number of commuters carried were not available but the ADT said bus drivers noticed a heavy increase, especially on Christmas Eve.

More information on the ADT's fees in euro is available at www.maltatransport.com.

A sample of the new fares and fees