AD insist transport reform should focus on commuters

The Green Party today called on government to be transparent in the imminent tans[port reform and focus on cleaner air, more transport services from all parts of Malta and Gozo and more pedestrianisation and traffic free zones.

Following the announcement of Arriva's hasty departure, Alternattiva Demokratika said that the lessons to be drawn from the public transport saga is that the demand and need of a good public transport service was not being met because the original service contract sought to reduce costs rather than invest in a reliable mass transportation system.

AD spokesperson on transport Ralph Cassar said: "The demand for an efficient and reliable bus system is there. While it is obvious to all that the buses themselves are of a higher standard as regards emissions, it is equally obvious that the service is not meeting the demand for transport particularly during morning and evening rush hours."

He added that the persons in charge of coming up with the original bus schedule which led to confusion under the PN administration "were not up to the job" adding that " a law firm and a member of Gatt's private secretariat can hardly be called transportation experts."

"AD hopes that the Government conducts itself in a transparent manner and focuses on cleaner air in our congested streets, more services from all parts of Malta and Gozo to highly populated and congested areas and more pedestrianisation and traffic free zones in our towns - this can only be achieved through a people-centred public transport system."

Finally, AD urged government to ensure that the employment of all Arriva employees is guaranteed.  "Workers should not suffer the consequences of bad political decisions and mismanagement," Cassar said.