The transport watchdog has ruled out any increase in bus fares for this year, despite the concession agreement signed with the Spanish-owned operator stating that a revision in prices was due at the start of 2016.

Though the agreement was signed a year ago, this detail only came to light last Wednesday when Transport Minister Joe Mizzi finally tabled the document in Parliament.

According to clause 7.8 of the agreement “all maximum fares shall be the subject to first revision on January 1, 2016, and at annual intervals thereafter”.

While no such revision has taken place, last July Malta Public Transport unveiled a new fare structure and announced the introduction of new bus cards.

The abolition of the €1.50 one-day ticket was the most significant change, as commuters are now being charged on a trip basis. Asked about a possible fare increase, MPT commercial director Daniel Grech referred this newspaper to Transport Malta, saying that matters related to fares and the route network were regulated by the transport watchdog.

A Transport Malta spokesman reiterated that any changes would first require its approval, but was also categorical in stating that fares would not rise.

“Transport Malta has absolutely no intention of increasing the fares.  It is in the commuter’s best interest to keep the fares low. This year the subsidy will decrease by €700,000 from €29.2 million,” the spokesman said.