Transport Malta said this evening that it will be considering complaints and suggestions on the new bus routes, introduced on Sunday.
It was reacting to complaints made by, among others, Sliema and Mgarr local councils.
"We understand that following last Sunday’s changes, a few connections that existed before have changed. It will take some time before the new routes become familiar. In the coming months Transport Malta will be fine tuning certain routes to cater better for people’s needs," TM said.
"The new network is the most extensive Malta ever had and was designed to reach most localities. The frequencies of a number of routes have increased to meet commuters’ demands better. As in previous years, public transport is operating on a reduced schedule for the festive season and thus buses will be more frequent after 4th January."
TM said a number of local councils were very positive about the new routes during the last meeting held on December 14. "The Councils recognised that the suggestions of their residents were implemented," it said.
Mġarr Local Council, on the other hand, stated that it was disappointed with the new routes and was not consulted. But TM said the first consultation meeting with the Mġarr Local Council was held on June 3, 2013. Meetings were held with all Local Councils. Since then, until a few weeks ago, Local Councils kept sending in their suggestions.
Mġarr have route 44 for Valletta, route 238 for University and Mater Dei and also route 101 for Ċirkewwa. They also have route 223 for Buġibba from Ballut area.
"Most complaints received are because the hospital route has changed. Previously, the route ended in Valletta and at times, on its way back, there were no places left for Mġarr residents leaving Mater Dei. Following their suggestion, the route was changed to be specific for Mater Dei. A number of people used the route for other locations and now have to take a different route," TM explained.
Mgarr local council in a statement earlier called on the authorities to immediately rectify problems which cropped up on Sunday.
It said that residents benefited from the routes introduced some years ago, but the changes made last Sunday meant a deterioration of the service and many people would need to resort to private cars once more.
The council said it was never consulted about the changes, but only informed about them.