Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party said payments reflecting the budgetary increase in the public subsidy to Arriva should be withheld before it is ensured that all buses are accessible for persons with disability.

Michael Briguglio, Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party Chairperson, said, “It is disappointing to learn that some Arriva buses are not fully accessible to persons with disability due to lack of ramps in the international market. Whilst one appreciates that the public transport reform got rid of inaccessible junk buses, AD believes that the current problem should not have resulted in the first place. Universal accessibility to public transport and all other public services and infrastructure is a basic right, and not something conditional or something dependent on charity. We augur that this problem is resolved as soon as possible and that it does not happen again in the future.”

Claire Azzopardi Lane, AD spokesperson for Disability Issues and Sports, said: “Having someone to help wheelchair users to board and alight is not a dignified alternative. Persons with disability require full access to public transport.”

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