The Transport Ministry held discussions on Monday with the Directors at Mater Dei Hospital and the local Public Transport Operator regarding the new bus routes, especially those concerning the ones at Mater Dei and University.

In comments to The Malta Independent, Minister Joe Mizzi confirmed meetings were held to discuss the Mater Dei and University route issues, after a wave of public criticism following new bus routes which were launched end of last year.

This newsroom had carried out a vox-pop at the University bus terminus, which confirmed the public’s anger to a public transport system that is, once again, failing to deliver.

Mr Mizzi said his Ministry is evaluating the complaints and promised that every feedback is not falling on deaf ears.

“One has to understand that we needed to make this shift as soon as possible. We appreciate the public’s patience, but we practically tried to accommodate 49 buses in an area which usually accommodated for not more than 34”, he explained.

Minister Mizzi insisted that this is a temporary solution, so as to keep the service going until the matter is dealt.

Students complained of the waiting times and journey times to the University and Mater Dei that have increased since the new public bus route changes came into effect.

November 22 and December 20 saw a large number of bus routes being altered, inclusive of their frequency. The Valetta bus terminal was extended into St James’ ditch, increasing the bus bays from 17 to 29.

Transport Minister Joe Mizzi was reported saying at a meeting with local council representatives that these changes would translate into the public transport system reaching more people and more frequently. He also said that the changes were a result of the extensive public consultations.

Gozitan nurses and midwives who work in Malta face a larger problem as the new bus routes brought about changes to 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.

He said the Ministry is positive that, thanks to further discussions, things are going to improve.