Labour calls on tourism secretary to show leadership

Labour shadow minister for tourism Gavin Gulia has called on the Prime Minister and parliamentary secretary for tourism Mario de Marco to respond to tourists’ problems encountered in the new public transport service.

15 September 2011, 12:00am

1 min read

“Despite the new changes to the system, which in itself confirmed the less than satisfactory transport reform, it is clear that the situation has not yet reached acceptable levels and is a source of constant complaint,” Gulia said.

The MP said this was giving Malta bad promotion, apart from tourists being made to pay higher fares. “The PM and de Marco must start showing a sense of leadership and involve themselves directly so that the situation improves and reaches a satisfactory level in the shortest time possible, and stop the damage to our tourism product.”

According to a random survey conducted by hoteliers between Monday and Tuesday in core tourism areas – particularly in Sliema, St Julians, Bugibba, Qawra and Mellieha – the changes introduced by Arriva on Sunday have led to a satisfactory improvement in the public transport service.

Tourists pay higher bus fares – a matter which is still being investigated by the EU Commission – but the MHRA is insisting the bus service in tourist areas is inferior, and that its survey shows complaints over the past weeks persist.

“Feedback by visitors was overall negative with some visitors complaining vociferously about the long waits and that the service was not of an acceptable standard. The fact that buses are very often full up and the unreliability of the schedules also remain critical issues,” the MHRA said.

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mf, I agree with you 100%, some routes are working quite well. But unfortunately some are a disaster. A few days ago, i decided to give it a try from St. Andrews road Swieqi to Valletta. First bus passed full, no problem, second the same, ok. But does it have to be the EIGHT bus to stop to pick up, what by now had become quite a queue. Nearly an hour in the sun is no joke. Than inside one of the bendy buses, the a/c in front was quite cold, but in the second part of the bus, the a/c seems it doesn't reach there at all. It was a sauna. Coming back, i made sure to stay in the front section, it was so cold, than when alighting at my stop, the sudden difference in temperature made my head spin. Can't the a/c's be better controlled? Frankly will i do it again, hmmm.......not so soon.... It's nice to be driven and to forget the parking problems, but to spend 2 and a half hours on the bus, coming and going for a 20 minute errand is a complete no no. Thanks but no thanks.

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i do not want to sound as if the service never encountered any problems. but i just arrived from a flight and found 3 buses at the airport,with 4 assistance guiding all queries. just hopped on one and changed at the marsa park and ride. service more than satisfactory. of course complaints should be taken into consideration, especially where tourists are involved , as they form part of our economy chain. not that maltese citizens are to be ignored. I would stress more on the road condtions, some do need urgent attention. but the bus service itself , can only improve for the better and am sure that all competent parties are doing their utmost to ensure such is happening. let critizism be more lateral and constructive. as regards to fares paid I do suggest that the fare system is changed and applicable to all without any segregation between tourist and locals. yes we do want to make tourist feel at home and sorry to say so ,making them pay a higher fare sounds like daylight robbery. suggest have some that can be a win-win situation to all parties concerned. thanks