'New' Arriva buses to supply increased routes

36 new buses will be added to the Arriva fleet in a bid to improve the current public transport network, the transport ministry has announced.

But to expedite their deployment, government has temporarily suspended the requisites of the new buses: there will be no air-conditioning, no official green Arriva colours, and Euro III and IV engines instead of the lower-emission Euro V engines right up until May 2012.

“No compromise has been made on comfort, security and cleanliness on the buses… the new routes will require more drivers and the company will be engaging and training new recruits,” the ministry said.

Transport Minister Austin Gatt is facing a motion of censure by the Opposition, which is to be voted upon on November 4.

The ministry added that Transport Malta is seeking new measures to give priority to buses due to the congestion being created on the roads.

The ministry said the decision to increase the size of the fleet and route frequency was the result of an increase in bus patronage, mainly in the busiest hours of the morning.

The first eight buses will be in service from next Monday, while the rest will be introduced towards the end of November.

“Government and Arriva have agreed on all necessary measures to address these problems immediately. Apart from the new buses, the operator will be contracting local operators on new routes,” the ministry said.

17 of the new buses will be 18 metres long and carry 150 passengers, the rest carrying 70 passengers.