Labour motion calls for Austin Gatt, TM head resignation over transport reform

In a motion presented in parliament by Labour MP Joe M. Sammut, the Opposition has called on the House of Representatives to censure government on what it described as “government’s lack of planning and confusion” in the public transport reform, that has caused hardships to the general population.

The Motion:

NOTES the main aims behind the reform of public transport which were:

a. To provide a bus service with the most modern and comfortable vehicles possible, as well as reducing the number of buses operating.

b. That the aforementioned new bus service would be of such quality that it would drastically lessen the use of privately owned cars on our congested roads.

c. That this quality would result in a very significant reduction in CO2 emissions with positive effects on our health and the health of our environment.

REMINDS us that the reform was implemented on 3 rd July 2011, 7 months late, and at the height of the tourist season.

CONSIDERS that the main advantage so far has been that almost all buses used since the reform have been air conditioned, and that there is more courtesy on the buses.

NOTES with disappointment that the reform in general has been chaotic and a let down consumers who still have to face the following challenges including

a. Longer and more complicated routes

b. Long waiting times

c. Higher prices

d. Removal of direct routes to Master Dei

e. Discriminatory pricing systems for EU citizens

f. A new park and ride tax

NOTES that there appears to be no drop in private car usage.

NOTES that failures can directly be attributed to decisions taken by the Minister, his political appointees in his Ministry and within Transport Malta.

CONSIDERS that as a consequence of poor decision making from the above mentioned more expenses will necessarily be incurred by taxpayers to rectify.

NOTES with disapproval that the reform is not bearing fruit and that consultants with well known connections to this administration, have cost the taxpayer 400,000 and not delivered better routes.

NOTES that constituted bodies have stated the service has failed tourists too

CONSIDERS that the Bisazza Str fiasco displayed a clear lack of effective planning that will again cost the taxpayer dear, as well as a loss of car parking for residents and businesses in Sliema.

NOTES the systematic loss of bus shelters which causes huge discomfort in both summer and winter months to those who use the service.

OBSERVES that the Opposition has now given government ample time to correct these serious and basic shortcomings.

NOTES that government itself gave September 11th as a date by which these basic shortcomings would be resolved.

REITERATES that this date has passed and basic serious flaws remain.

NOTES the national consensus that the service is not delivering.

REITERATES that many, across our towns and villages, as well as those who live in their peripheries are very disappointed with the service. Local councils have also made this amply clear in their public statements.

Therefore, the House of Representatives:

CONDEMNS the lack of effective planning which has led to this much chaos.

DEMANDS the immediate publication of all contracts related to this reform, including the consultancy ones.

ASKS for the resignation of the responsible Minister the political appointees and the heads at Transport Malta who were in charge of the fiasco in planning this reform.