People who rely on public transport are having their patience tested to the limit once again as the bus routes introduced on 20 December last year have caused more chaos.
People stranded on bus stops next to the University of Malta are complaining that bus frequency was reduced and new bus routes include places where barely anyone lives. Many people have to sit on a bus for more than an hour, as bus routes just became more complex.
One man who had an appointment in hospital at 10am, had to start his journey at 8am to make sure that he doesn’t arrive late.
“The bus took me to places I never even knew existed. We made dozens of stops for nothing and most of the time, I was the only person on the bus,” a man from Imqabba said.
On the other extreme, University students are finding it hard to catch a bus which is not already jam packed with commuters.
Routes are longer leading to longer journey times
“Bus routes grew longer and by the time it reaches the University bus stop, it’s full up and we have to wait for the next one”, a student said.
Gozitan nurses and midwives that work in Mater Dei have to face bigger problems.
MUMN General Secretary, Colin Attard explained that the issue with Gozitan workers started when the new transport plan brought about changes in a very popular route, the X1. This bus used to take passengers from Mater Dei, directly to Cirkewwa. This service can no longer be beneficial for nurses who work night shifts, as their shift ends at 7:15pm but the bus reaches the University bus stop 30 minutes earlier.
“Nurses from Gozo, already have to start their journey as early as 4:30pm to get in time for their night shift. Imagine how drained they would feel, having to wait some 45 minutes to start their journey back to Gozo,” Attard said.
According to the Malta Public Transport customer care service, there are two buses which pass from the University bus stop and reach Cirkewwa, the X1 and number 250. The latter does not start its journey from Mater Dei, but from the University bus stop at about 6:10am. The bus leaves every hour.
MUMN General Secretary said there are some 60 Gozitan nurses which are affected by this issue.
A man who used to work as a bus driver when the old system was in place, speaks with remorse as he recalled ‘the good old days’ when drivers were responsible for their own trucks.
“We didn’t fool around with the time-table, that’s for sure. You’re either here on time, or the company supervisor would dismiss you from working the remaining hours and have an on-call driver to replace you,” he said.