With regard to several complaints that are appearing in the media from private car owners, the PTA said these are unfair because bus lanes contribute towards a better environment and make public transport more efficient and punctual.

Following their introduction, the PTA has also initiated various new routes. If these motorists started making more use of public transport, traffic congestion would reduce, said the PTA.

It has to be understand that not everyone can afford the luxury of a private car and there are Maltese citizens who do not have private transport means, the PTA said. These include students, the elderly, the disabled and tourists, for whom public transport is the only means they have to travel around the island.

The PTA is convinced that with the introduction of more bus lanes, patronage of public transport will increase and the association will be able to introduce even more new routes so that these can further accommodate the needs of the Maltese citizens.