The Valletta Local Council has publicly criticised the service by the public transport operator, Autobus De Leon, describing the service as disappointing.

In a statement, the local council said that bus route 133 used to provide service in roads such as Triq San Pawl, Triq ir-Repubblika and Triq L-iFran. However in the past months, the council started receiving complaints, particularly from elderly persons and others who are disabled. The council contacted Autobus De Leon, which confirmed that the route has been changed because some of the buses were damaged. The operator had changed the route without consulting the council first. After the call, it promised to change it back, however this was not done.

The council said that some people who have mobility issues have even avoided leaving home because of this and the change is leaving an impact on elderly persons wanting to go into Valletta, the health clinic in Floriana or the Valletta Terminus to get another bus to Mater Dei.

The council called on the transport operator to revert the route to what it was, saying that there are no excuses. It also said that the council should be consulted before any changes.