Transport Malta (TM) has said that it is currently monitoring the implementation of the new routes introduced on 22nd December. The route network increased by 2,800 trips to 36,600 every week and by 2.5 million kilometres every year, it said.

During 2015, Transport Malta introduced 24 new routes, changed 43 routes and added 80 new bus stops. Every locality now has a direct service to Valletta and Mater Dei Hospital. 142 new buses, equipped with environmental friendly Euro 6 engines, have joined the service, it said.

TM pointed out that "whilst still premature to make an objective assessment of the changes implemented, feedback received so far indicates that many commuters are being served better.

"Negative complaints received are localised to certain areas or localities and TM acknowledges the fact that some routes, such as X1, necessitate some tweaking including adjustment in frequencies."

TM added that it is committed to look into such concerns and will be addressing issues raised by the public and local councils. "The Authority will fine tune and adjust routes to ensure that the public is served better and confident to use public transport."

"The new routes designed following an extensive consultation period during which more than 3,500 proposals were considered. Now that the service is operating with normal schedules, commuters are still adjusting their travel patters to new routes. As expected, this takes more than one week."

Until 3rd January, as customary during the festive season, the service was operating on a Saturday schedule and thus somewhat reduced service, it said.

Photograph: Alain Salvary

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