Government-run bus service posts increase in sales and commuters – minister

The government-run transport system has posted a 200,000 increase in commuters, an increase in ticket sales and a 53% reduction in complaints, Transport Minister Joe Mizzi said this evening.

Bringing an end to Arriva's tumultuous two-and-a-half year stay in Malta, January saw government-owned Malta Public Services Ltd take over Arriva's operations, a move which according to the transport minister, is yielding fruit and has resulted in the transport service becoming more efficient.

Speaking during the government's consultancy session at Hamrun, Mizzi announced that the government has received several expressions of interest to take over the transport operations and also explained that the new operator would be required to operate the current routes.

He however, underlined that the government inherited a "chaotic" situation and an uphill task and consequently, the minister said that "no miracles would be performed."

Taking a swipe at the previous PN government, Mizzi said the public transport system was no longer "littered" with shortcomings but conversely, it has become more efficient and posted greater results.

However, the transport minister insisted that he did not carry out a political vendetta in ousting Arriva, explaining that if Arriva would have continued with its operations, it would have been a lose-lose situation for both Malta as well as the transport operator.

"Arriva's departure from Malta proves that the criticism leveled by the then-Labour opposition had been justified. I had predicted its demise and had repeatedly voiced my concern to its financial situation and its operations, and consequently, after being elected, I immediately sought to solve these problems," Mizzi said.

"Upon further analysis, I was overwhelmed by the amount of shortcomings and the problems were far worse than I had expected. Nevertheless, the government and Arriva had addressed several issues, the majority of which were agreed upon on principle."

Joe Mizzi argued that the watershed moment to Arriva's demise was when it had declared that it was not in a position to invest in the new routes and after it had requested the government to invest an "exorbitant" amount of money into the routes and the transport operations.

"Consequently," the minister explained, "Arriva's departure was the best decision for all parties, more so because if it had entered into a liquidation process, Malta would have been left without any buses."

Turning his attention on oil exploration, Mizzi announced that a new exploratory well would be drilled 130 kilometres in the south of Malta and also announced that Malta would dig for gas.

Mizzi said the government has started discussions for potential joint operations between Malta and neighbouring countries.

 "Joint oil explorations between Malta and Mediterranean countries are a win-win situation for both parties. Notwithstanding the political turmoil and safety issues surrounding North African countries, the ministry has nonetheless, discussed potential oil explorations with other Mediterranean countries."

The infrastructure minister also stated that works on the December 13 Avenue in Marsa would be completed by the end of March while development plans have been submitted for the Kappara Junction and the Coast Road.

On the issue of parking, the transport minister announced that a national parking plan focusing on commercial hubs would be launched in the coming weeks following a consultation period with all stakeholders.

"The government will issue expressions of interest for new car parks in both Valletta as well as Cospicua. Other commercial hubs, namely Sliema and Paola, will follow."

While stressing that the government is "delivering" on its electoral pledges, the transport minister argued that the expressions of interest are open to everyone and anyone capable of implementing the plans are welcome.