News • December 21 2003

Authority annuls ‘annul’ button on bus ticketing machines

The investigations by the Malta Transport Authority into allegations of abuse of the new bus ticketing system are ongoing, the transport minister has told MaltaToday.
The ticket ‘annul’ button on the machines that could have been the source of abuse by some drivers, has now been disabled, MaltaToday was told.
Some drivers have used the button to issue cancellation chits for used tickets thus claiming refunds on tickets that would have been paid for by commuters.
In November of this year the Malta Transport Association claimed a shortfall in revenue of Lm160,000 since the ticketing machines were introduced four months earlier. Minister Censu Galea said that, so far, it has been established that there was a reduction in revenue from passenger fares.

"The Transport Authority is in the process of establishing the exact cause of this shortfall. Measures to curb any abuses have already been implemented.
"In fact the Transport authority has disabled the ticket annul button on the machines, which could have been used abusively by some drivers," Mr Galea said.
After claims that the bus ticketing system utilised antiquated technology, MaltaToday asked the minister whether any steps were being taken to upgrade the system.
Mr Galea answered: "Nowadays, any software needs adjusting and upgrading. The ADT will therefore ensure that the system is continuously updated to ensure minimal abuse and optimum output."
kurt@newsworksltd.com