Arriva said it is continuing to prepare for the big transport change, and delivering the all new bus service that will transform the way people travel around Malta and Gozo.

Arriva announced that driver training is progressing well. Over 530 drivers now have contracts of employment, with more in the process. This includes a number of drivers who Arriva has trained from scratch as bus drivers, including around 15 female drivers so far, and other D licence holders and existing bus drivers, who are progressing through Arriva’s professional driver training courses.

Keith Bastow, Managing Director of Arriva in Malta, said: “We are very encouraged by what we are seeing from the drivers during training. There is real commitment and a passion to do the job well.”

“We are now seeking to fill the last batch of vacancies for bus drivers, for which we are looking to speak to existing D licence holders. If you are a clean D licence holder and speak English and Maltese and are interested in transport at this exciting time, please get in touch with us on 7938 3891 for an immediate appointment.”

As well as practical and theory training covering safety drills, Arriva standards, safe manoeuvres, observation, signals and techniques in eco-driving for the efficient and environmentally friendly use of fuel, more than 300 drivers have now completed customer care training, with the rest to follow in coming weeks. The media were invited into a training session ran by Arriva’s new Training Manager Joyce Cassar, where around 20 D licence holders were involved in training on safety, communication skills and customer care, including building positive relationships with customers and providing a good service.

Around 70 drivers have also passed advanced roadcraft training to drive the articulated buses.

Mr Bastow also unveiled Arriva’s comfortable and professional new uniform. In the summer, drivers will wear a short-sleeved white shirt with Arriva epaulettes, an Arriva tie or ladies’ cravat and blue trousers or skirt. In the winter, sleeveless and long sleeve pullovers and jackets will be available. Inspector’s uniforms will be similar, with grey trousers, instead of blue, charcoal grey ties and navy suit jackets.

Mr Bastow announced the apppointment of Arriva’s new Maltese senior management team, who are working with the team of secondees from the UK and Arriva’s operations across Europe to put the finishing touches to preparations for the new transport system ahead of the launch on 3 July, 2011. Working with Mr Bastow to lead the team will be Peter Vella who has been appointed to the role of Operations Director, and Patrick Cassar, who will become Finance Director.

The management team also includes, Operations Manager Marco Cachia, Financial Controller Ivan Camilleri, Commercial Manager Thomas Dimech, Engineering Manager Colin Borg-Ginger, Human Resources Manager Pauline Saliba, Training Manager Joyce Cassar and Health and Safety Officer Denis Chircop. As well as being trained on the job, many of them have also been on familiarisation visits to Arriva’s operations in the UK. Support staff recruitment for assistant, administration and engineering roles is now almost complete.

Arriva confirmed that more than 850 bus stop poles are now in place. Some bus stops have been relocated to reflect the updated network and some new bus stops are being added.

The new bus stop poles will be fitted at every location by the middle of June and flags featuring colour-coded route numbers will be added over the coming weeks. Flags have been trialled at St Julians and Marsaskala for weight, positioning and visibility checks. The colour-coded route numbers will make it easy for passengers to identify the service they want to take. There will also be timetables at every bus stop so passengers can check what time the next bus is due.

More than 100 bus stops will also have real time information screens showing how many minutes are left before the next bus will arrive.

Mr Bastow said that Arriva is currently printing a ‘guide to your all new bus services’ which will be mailed to every household in Malta and Gozo later this month. This will contain all the information people will need to take the bus from 3 July, including routes and timetables, tickets and fares, where to buy tickets from and customer care information. A pull-out and keep network map is also included.

Mr Bastow commented, “It is an exciting time, we are counting down the days to the transport reform. It is time to give Malta an insight into the new transport services, and begin to change the way they think about travelling around Malta and Gozo.

“The broadcast media campaign focuses on the benefits of the new transport services and how Arriva offers an attractive alternative to get where you want to go, whether that is work, meeting family or friends, going shopping or to school, or simply having fun! We promise to change the way you think about bus travel.”

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