Inferior bus service, same price - Labour

The Opposition spokesman for transport Joseph Sammut criticised the arrival of the new Arriva fleet buses, saying that the Maltese will be provided with an inferior bus service, while paying the same price.

Earlier today, government announced that some 36 buses would be added to the Arriva fleet. But the fast deployment also means that buses will have no air-conditioning, no official Arriva colours and Euro 3 engines instead of low-emission Euro 5.

“After the public transport reform failed, government is now insulting everyone by taking a unilateral decision that forces the public to put up with vehicles not equipped as promised and which pollute,” Sammut said.

He said that Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Transport Minister Austin Gatt had highlighted that the fleet would be one of the modern in Europe and according to European standards because of their Euro 5 engines.

Sammut said government is suspending the obligations so the additional buses would be of inferior levels down with Euro 3 engines and without air-conditioning.

“Even though this is the sixth tranche of changes taking place, consumers are still not receiving an adequate service and will now be paying more than they will receive,” Sammut said.