There will be no big-bang approach to the new bus service on 8 January, as Transport Minister Joe Mizzi has promised a "soft entry."  He also said that no double decker buses have been ordered and that the Arriva buses are gradually being phased out.

The government has awarded the Spanish company Autobuses de León the contract to operate the public bus service in Malta and Gozo.

Mr Mizzi said the IT system and new routes will all be gradually phased in.

,The company has bought the state firm that took over from Arriva, Malta Public Transport Service, for €8 million.

Asked how many more drivers are required in order to operate the new service, Mr Mizzi helpfully pointed out that the 142 buses will not drive themselves, but did not give further details.

The company will be investing €40 million in the new service, including the 142 Euro six buses which are expected to be purchased by next summer.

The agreement with Autobuses de León includes the gradual introduction of new routes and a better frequency of routes, adding some three million kilometres a year to the current ones.

The company said it will be adding 3,000 seats into the network, creating a 20% increase in capacity.

The company will receive a €23 million subsidy for 2015, which is expected to increase to €29 million in 2016 once the new operator implements its full network of routes.

Director Felipe Cosmen said Alesa's bid for the contract was focused on improving customers' experience and included a new fleet, new IT systems and improvements at terminals.

"I'm looking forward to working with existing colleagues and welcoming new staff and together delivering this vital contract to Malta...

"We trust in the current staff to achieve customer loyalty and provide a transportation system close to the needs of the Maltese. We are recruiting additional drivers to deliver the new network."

He said millions of passengers will benefit from thousands of extra seats, new services and affordable tickets.