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AD sees room for improvement in public transport
Alternattiva Demokratika says that while it is positive that a new fleet of buses has replaced the old one, there is a long way to go for a 'revolution'.
AD said it is positive that the old fleet of 'junk-buses' has been replaced and the system is no longer run by 'cowboys'
It is positive that Malta had got rid off its previous fleet of heavily-polluting junk buses and that public transport "is no longer run by cowboys," Alternattiva Demokratika chairperson Micheal Briguglio said.
Speaking at press conference held this morning at the Bus Terminus in Valletta, Briguglio said that one year after the public transport reform, "it is evident that despite improvements in the service, there is a long way to go for a public transport revolution."
Briguglio added, "what we have now is a public transport service, which, despite various improvements, still leaves much to be desired, especially with regard to certain routes which were removed or downsized."
The Green Party chairperson noted that it is also very disappointing to hear of the exploitation of Arriva workers "who are paid a pittance for long shifts."
He appealed to such workers to find strength in unity. "It is clear that the government, which refuses to give adequate funding to public transport, keeps washing its hands off responsibility for universally accessible public transport with good job conditions."
AD spokesperson for transport Ralph Cassar said the system is not coping with the demand.
He explained that during certain periods of the day the timetable is not adhered to and the frequency of routes is not adhered to.
Cassar cited a number of examples including Marsascala, Fgura, Birkirkara and Hamrun where the frequency of the routes is not being adhered to.
"Most probably the problem is that there are not enough buses. Austin Gatt introduced a system which reduces subsidies in this important area which had unsatisfactory results. In certain instances it appears that the services have increased, however it is still not coping with the demand and in certain instances the service is not reliable."
Cassar added that the ticket system is a waste of time. He explained that the two different tariff systems are hampering the driver with the result of longer trips and waiting times.
