Printed on every ticket that one purchases on embarking a public bus there is the phrase “Have a nice journey” – however judging from my experience this is hardly the case.
It is common knowledge that various administrations in the past tried so many times to upgrade this important socio-economic service, but only with limited results. Each administration kept pouring in millions of euros while promising the public that finally a decent service is to be provided. I’m afraid to say that till now these remained costly promises and nothing more. Moreover judging by the recent strike called by their federation it seems that the practice so far to buy industrial peace has boosted the “bargaining arrogance” of these operators and has escalated to “industrial terrorism”. The public is so fed up with this situation that a very strong majority fully backed Minister Austin Gatt during the “dispute”, which at least has accelerated the sector’s inevitable liberalisation process.
The introduction of new buses has slightly improved the service but still the slight increase in passengers using the service was disappointing, considering the hefty increase in the price crude oil prices. To the least such results uncover the amateurish way this sector is being administered. Commuters know what I’m saying and despite unceasing reports and complaints in the press the arrogance of a substantial number of drivers knows no limit.
Being a regular commuter on route 27 I have personally come across a number of abuses some of which I have reported to the Malta Transport Authority. Once informed the ADT always took prompt action and I encourage other commuters to speak out in front of certain abuses and not just grumble. At the same time I appeal to the inspectors to be more professional in exercising their duties with no fear to combat abuses.
The arrogance of certain drivers is not the only barrier that is driving thousands of potential commuters away. For instance in winter time the trip from Marsaxlokk to Valletta in the rush hour takes around an hour and sometimes a bit more. Once leaving Marsaxlokk terminus the bus heads towards the Zejtun terminus for a further 10-minute stop. Then it proceeds to Bulebel and Tarxien before getting blocked in the Paola and Marsa traffic jam leaving among others, workers and MCAST students arriving late at their destination. How about a different solution such as involving smaller busses going directly to Valletta?
Despite the goodwill of the ministry involved, the liberalisation process seems to be in its infancy and it shall take years to start bearing fruit. In the meantime the sector definitely requires a better monitoring system. The use of electronic control equipment such as CCTV, GPS control system and electronic information boards installed in crucial bus stops showing the expected arrival time of buses, should be swiftly introduced. At the same time ADT inspectors should make their presence felt and frequently inspect the condition of all buses, including their interior which sometimes looks more like a pigsty. The sector should strive to attract better drivers, maybe by improving their current working conditions while certain irresponsible drivers should no longer be trusted with the task of transporting passengers.
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