A presentation by ALESA was delivered today by Mr Felipe Cosmen, Director of Autobuses de Leon, during the launch of the new public transport service operator in Malta.
Details given during the launch included staff numbers, number of buses and fares. ALESA is a Spanish company belonging to the founder company of the ALSA Group.
Mr Cosmen announced that in the coming weeks they will be replacing sub-contracted vehicles with a temporary fleet, as well as:
• 3rd Quarter 2015 – New fleet arriving, significantly reducing the fleet average age
• New fleet – 142 brand new buses
• Environmentally friendly – Euro VI buses
• The latest diesel emission legislation being driven by the European Commission.
• These buses will be 9.6 meters long with two doors
• Low floor buses – 100% accessible.
Mr Cosman said that it will be offering a 30% increase in service, including an increase in:
– number of buses with 3,000 additional new seats into the network
– mileage with 3 million Km per year
– number of routes and coverage
– frequencies
• New network implemented in phases, starting in March.
– Wide communication campaign (door to door).
He also stated that their “will be one new, more efficient and more affordable ticketing system and infrastructure for Malta and Gozo.” As of the 1st July 2015 they will upgrade the existing system:
• Intelligent Card System
• Discourage On board Ticket (EOI)
• Promote Off board ticket (Transport Card)
– Mobile and web top up
– Extensive commercial network
The Ticket prices will be:
• 7 day pass for children and KA holders – €2 (reduced from €2.30)
• 30 day pass for adults – €26 (€21 for Students)
• 90 day pass for students – €55 (reduced from €60)
• Cardholders – one journey – €0.75 Adults – €0.25 Child and KA
• On Board Ticket – one Journey – €1.50 (€2.00 in summer).
In concluding, Mr Cosman said that, “all necessary safety and security procedures will be adopted to safeguard passengers.
• Improve reliability of the Fleet
• The new service will be using the latest transport technology to reduce waiting time
• The company is currently recruiting 100 new drivers, locally
• 300 new employees will be added to the transport grid before the end of 2015
• All employed drivers will be given specialised training.