Having a public transport system which uses buses which are 30 years old or even older which fail modern emission tests goes to show that this important area has been neglected for far too long.

Ralph Cassar, AD spokesperson for Energy, Industry and transport said, “The arguments that emission tests should be lenient because over a third of the bus fleet is old defeats the whole purpose of such an exercise. Old buses or at least bus engines which fail today’s stricter standards should be written off and replaced. There is a significant number of buses which are not roadworthy – the public deserves a modern, comfortable and efficient system. In this day and age we still are using buses with no space for wheelchairs or pushchairs or bicycles and which are difficult for some people to use. It is high time for real change in this sector. Government should stop giving in to those who want to preserve the status quo at the expense of our quality of life.”

AD Chairperson Arnold Cassola added, “I reiterate AD’s call for a wide ranging reform of the public transport system in Malta and Gozo. Buses should work with cleaner fuels like LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) or CNG (compressed natural gas) and electric buses can also be introduced. We cannot wait any longer for a wide-ranging reform of the public transport system which must also include other modern means of mass transport.”

Although some ‘old’ buses can be kept to be used on tourist or scenic routes, they should be refitted with modern and cleaner engines and other safety features as may be necessary. Other old buses can be repainted in their original viloage colours of over 40 years ago and transferred to a transport museum where other modes of transport form the past can be displayed.

Permalink: Public deserves modern, cleaner fleet of buses