Transport Malta orders buses indicated as not roadworthy removed pending inspection

The transport regulator has ordered Malta Public Transport to garage vehicles indicated as not roadworthy in a judicial protest by an employee pending further inspections.

The decision was communicated by Transport Malta on Tuesday evening following serious claims made by an MPT employee in a judicial protest filed earlier in the day.

TM ordered that the buses indicated in the judicial protest be removed from active service until it carries out its own inspections.

Meanwhile, in parliament Transport Minister Chris Bonett said the authority carries out regular spot checks on between nine and 15 buses per week to ascertain their roadworthiness. He added the authority will carry out its own inspections on the specific buses indicated in the judicial protest.

Bonett was replying to questions by Nationalist Party MP Adrian Delia, who asked what action was taken following claims made by Claudio Cutajar, an employee of the bus company.

Cutajar, who works as a supervisor with Malta Public Transport, alleged he was forced by his superiors to clear buses for use when they were not roadworthy.

In a statement the company denied Cutajar's accusations and insisted it will be taking legal action against its employee.

Earlier, Opposition transport spokesperson Mark Anthony Sammut said the judicial protest was a matter of great concern.

He said investigations into the allegations raised must be carried out urgently to ensure that people can use public transport without fear and with full confidence.

Malta Public Transport denies allegations

Malta Public Transport categorically denied allegations of dangerous and not roadworthy buses in circulation.

“The safety of our passengers, of our employees and of all road users, is our top priority, and we have never and will never compromise on this fundamental aspect,” the company said in a statement.

“Our company has strict procedures in place, that are based on our extensive international experience, to ensure the safety and security of our buses and everyone on board. The company would never allow buses that are not roadworthy to be put on the road.”

The company further claimed that Cutajar is currently facing disciplinary charges for gross misconduct in relation to breach of procedures.

“Malta Public Transport will be initiating legal action against Mr Cutajar, since it is left with no choice but to defend its reputation against baseless allegations. We are confident that our records and evidence that will be presented in court, will prove that these allegations are false.”

The company said it wants to assure the public that its quality control procedures are robust, and that its buses undergo regular inspections and servicing every 35 days to ensure that they meet the necessary safety requirements amongst others.

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