Minister says makeshift bus service ‘better than expected’

The provisional bus service provided by the Unscheduled Bus Service (UBS) was better than expected, the Transport Minister Joe Mizzi said.

UBS, a private company, chartered buses to the public transport operator Arriva following the withdrawal of 68 bendy buses pending investigation into a series of fires.

Mizzi said the service provided by UBS was satisfactory, "so much so that very few complaints were registered. In the circumstances, Transport Malta is satisfied with the cooperation and service provided by the private company."

"In general, it could be noted that the service was better than expected," Mizzi added, thanking both UBS and Arriva for collaborating and offering their services.

Meanwhile, the transport minister confirmed that further meetings between the ministry, Transport Malta, Arriva and UBS took place on Wednesday to ensure that the temporary service could be provided with causing any inconveniences.

On Tuesday, the transport ministry and Transport Malta ordered the temporary withdrawal of bendy buses after three bendy buses caught fire in the past days.