If it were indeed possible, perhaps the best outcome for the future of public transport in Malta is to remain as it is, rather than undertake a new and maybe risky adventure in foreign lands.

This is not to say the Public Transport service as it is now is in any way perfect – far from it. Use and abuse have aged the new buses from China, but the addition of new buses has upgraded the service no end.

There have been a couple of scare stories on the way the drivers sometimes interact with customers but on the whole they are respectful and happy to be of service. Some though still suffer from language problems when they are confronted by foreigners, not all of who are then totally proficient in English. One notes a welcome increase in women drivers and in courteous foreign English-speaking drivers.

Times, as far as one can see, are being kept considering the traffic jams on the Maltese roads. And people have come to be accustomed to the times of the buses. There may still be problems of too many people queueing for a particular route but relief buses are quickly being sent.

In all, people have got accustomed to the new service. It may not be called Arriva any more but it is the buses Arriva brought with it that are still being used. And people will not change them for the old buses, with their too high steps, uncomfortable seats and shaky rides. People have got used to the airconditioning, the smooth ride and the low steps.

All in all, we thus say, of all possible outcomes it could be it is preferable to remain with the present government-run service rather than embark on some other adventure, which may then suffer from high introductory costs as well as increased subsidy and/or fares.

The only problem, of course, is that this course of action is rather impossible. Taking on the workforce as part of the government employment would impact heavily on the country’s finances. It is true that transport companies abroad are many times government or municipally-owned but it is also true the present government has added to public employment probably not much less than the drivers’ complement. EU rules, as far as we can see, will not allow such a course of action, assuming this would be the course of action that is chosen.

Considering the upheaval that surrounded the unfortunate launch of Arriva, it could be that it is better the devil you know than the one you don’t.