An annual report by Transport Malta states that the number of passengers reported in 2013 stood at 39.4 million – the highest number of passengers since 1990 – however during 2013, it was the private company Arriva, which was responsible for public transport.

The annual report, tabled in parliament yesterday, states that passenger numbers were up 15.9% over the previous year (2012). Bus service punctuality stood at 91%, a slight improvement over the year before.

Arriva started operating on the island in 2011, after a much awaited change-over from the previous administration by the transport authority (ADT). However, the first few months proved very challenging for the company – with thousands of complaints flooding in. During the last few months of 2013, it was decided that the government takes over the bus-service, and re-issue a competitive tender to identify a new bus operator.