PN concerned over drop in sales of bus tickets

Opposition MP Toni Bezzina has expressed his concern over the 7% drop in sales of bus tickets arguing that, whatever the cause, Transport Minister Joe Mizzi has poorly handled the management of the public transport.

According to information tabled in parliament income for January, February and March was of € 1,379,728, € 1,333,142 and € 1,572,300 respectively. Income for the same months last year was of €1,460,099, €1,475,167 and €1,638,568.

“The 7% loss is of serious concern. Such reduction cannot be attributed to cheaper tariffs for tourists since these are the worst months for tourism,” Bezzina argued.

He added that if this were the case, than the public transport would be worse off during the summer months.

Under the PN administration, the public transport operator used to charge foreigners higher bus rates, in breach of EU directives.

“Whatever the reason, the public transport is badly managed ever since the Transport Minister took over,” Bezzina said.

Describing the €7 million operational expenses as a €7 million loss, Bezzina said the taxpayer will have to fork out more money to make good for this loss.

“The taxpayer is now paying in two months what it used to pay in a year. What Joe Mizzi boasted so much about saw only two companies bidding for the tender,” he said.

According to the government, three companies bid to operate the public transport: Spanish transport group Autobuses Urbaos de León, Gozo First and Island Buses Malta.

Bezzina said Mizzi should shoulder political responsibility for the burdens being placed on the taxpayer.