Just about anyone who flocked to Valletta or Floriana for the New Year will tell you that it was a brilliant night out.
People from all walks of life attended various events, some of the public, others commercial. But the thing most will tell you, is that it was fantastic to see Valletta and Floriana buzzing. Families mingled with youngsters and everyone had a jolly good time, without excessive use of alcohol.
It was indeed a great atmosphere and huge numbers of people indulged. It was also very successful in terms of most people heeding the police’s warning of a strict crackdown on drink driving.
And this is where the anger set in. Many people decided to use public transport to get to Valletta and back home again, but they were severely let down.
For starters, if one did not catch a bus from a terminus, then you had no chance of getting to the Capital. Many people walked from Hamrun and Floriana, after giving up as bus after bus was ‘full up’.
One can perhaps understand that the transport authorities did not expect so many people to make use of the system, but, we have to say – a big thumbs down and a fail.
Worse still was the transport on the way back. Most bus drivers simply decided not to turn up for work after promising to do so. This led to a lot of pushing and shoving as those who were lucky enough to spot a bus to their locality (there were not many of them) made a beeline for the buses. It was almost third world like. Transport officials on the scene seemingly gave up and admitted that the drivers simply decided not to show up.
We have also had reports that when people did manage to get a bus home, they were not issued a ticket. One wonders where the money went... In short, shame on the drivers. Time and time again, you have let us down with your blatant disregard for customer service, basic manners, punctuality and the law itself.
What a crying shame. No wonder people have no faith in the system. We really do feel for the management of Arriva. Quite how they are going to change this mentality of “I couldn’t care less” is anyone’s guess.
On the same note, the taxi drivers made a killing. Private taxi firms were overloaded and even those who had made bookings were left stranded – an investigation by the Consumer Division would be welcome. Transport Malta should also take a good look at the White Taxis. Up to €50 for a one way ride home were charged. No meter use, no fixed fare and of course, no receipt. One can understand a special rate for the evening but €50 is robbery. For all the promises that we have been made about getting people into line with the law, consumer rights and whatnot, can the authorities really blame us for thinking they are inept at best? What a shame. It was a really good night.