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Almost every time I pass through Mellieha Bay, even now when the summer tourist season is drawing to a close I spy bus stops choke full mostly of tourists awaiting buses to return in the late afternoon on the routes to Bugibba, Sliema and Valletta. (Is this the way for one of the social partners to pull together to improve our tourist product?)
Likewise just to mention two recent instances on another route, I and several passengers had to wait for close to half an hour to board a Valletta bound bus from Balluta on 19 September early evening and more than 15 minutes to board another Valletta bound bus prior to office hours on 20 September on the same route which is advertised as having buses scheduled every 10 minutes. And these are not isolated examples. (Is this the way to encourage citizens to use public transport when going out for leisure or work?)
I notice that when I sometimes phone to complain, the situation ameliorates for some time but then it rescinds back to dreary waits. Given the repeated bus fare rises with the annexed promises of improved service, we as commuters and as tax payers of the state subsidizing this service are being repeatedly short charged and increasingly put off using this service.
And apart from the obvious improvements that can be suggested and enforced such as the elimination of the ‘only 12 standing passengers’ on the new buses, the definite removal from service of gut wrenching old buses (which could instead be used only as attractions for those with time to spare and enjoying such trills while holidaying here), a suggestion I would like to make is that direct route buses upon reaching their particular terminal be it Bugibba or Sliema Ferries or wherever, drop their route third digit and proceed to Valletta, charging normal fare (and note 50 cents) thus alleviating the above problem somewhat.
A comment from the state appointed, almost unheard of, Public Transport Users relevant body would be appreciated.
J. Bonett Balzan
Balluta
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