(Link to proposed network map added at end of story)

The main principles on which the reform for the public transport is going to be based were highlighted by Transport Minister Austin Gatt during a rowdy meeting at Eden Century’s Cinema 16 this morning which saw bus drivers getting up and interrupting the proceedings during several instances.

During the meeting, a new network, buses and frequencies were proposed.

The drivers complained that the proposals were made by people who did not understand how public transport in Malta worked. They complained that the government wanted to eradicate their livelihood.

Dr Gatt said that although the government would always remain willing to listen, there had to be a clear contractual relationship between those ordering the service and those who had a duty to give it.

The government had to establish criteria for the service and those giving the it had to invest, get paid for their service and pay any fines they could get for not meeting their contractual obligations.

The principle of a contractual relation, the minister said, should always apply.

And although the government was willing to subsidise the operation for a limited period, it would not subsidise capital. It was also not willing to continue subsidising the current system.

There had to be a clear distinction between route work and other work. Vehicles which were not Euro III, at least, would not be accepted.

Moreover, the conditions of workers who were employed with the operator had to be improved.

The minister said the only aim behind public transport should be comfort for users, with passengers being treated as kings.

Today’s meeting, he said was closing the consultation process but other meetings with the associations would be held before the final proposals to cabinet were made.

No dogmatic positions were being taken and the government was open to suggestions which could improve its proposals. The government would continue listening even after deciding and implementing and it would continuously improve what could be done better. However, it would listen not just to those who made a lot of sound, but also to those who suffered in silence.

An efficient public transport was fundamental to the country’s economic and social success, the minister said adding that an ADT estimate showed that 71 per cent of trips in Malta were undertaken with one’s private care. This was unheard of in Europe.

A map of the proposed network can be seen here.