Żminijietna – Voice of the Left calls upon Minister Austin Gatt to take into account people’s complaints and assume responsibility as he is the minister under which public transport falls. The minister should address the discrepancies in the buses’ schedules and routes.

It’s not right that the ministry responsible for the planning of routes and the one awarding Arriva this contract, is now evading its responsibilities and putting the blame elsewhere. It is a fact that there is a qualitative improvement in terms of buses and drivers, but this does not exclude the fact that the service given remains inadequate. The minister’s assertion, that, with the new reform, the service will operate with fewer buses and that subsidies will end, while giving a more efficient and frequent service, is only a myth.

The reduction in the number of buses used to run the service and the badly planned routes is leading to an increase in the travelling time, and longer journeys on some routes, while other trips are leaving from the terminal already crowded with passengers, with the consequence that people are left waiting on the stages as the buses that pass are full to the brim.

Żminijietna – Voice of the Left appeals to the government to remedy this situation and increase subsidies to improve this service, and thus assuring that the social and economic aspect remains a priority in the reform.

■ Michael Camilleri

President

Żminijietna – Voice of the Left