Following the publication of “An Open Letter An Open Letter to Malta Public Transport” by Tamira Spiteri on the 23rd of December 2015, The Third Eye received the following official feedback from the General Manager of Malta Public Transport, Mr Konrad Pulé, earlier today:
Dear Ms Spiteri,
I refer to your letter published on The Third Eye website on 23 December 2015.
Whilst thanking you for your feedback regarding the new routes, I would like to apologise for the wrong information given to you on the day of the changeover and any inconvenience you may have encountered. I would like to clarify a number of points mentioned in your letter.
The route network and frequencies are established by the Authority for Transport in Malta (Transport Malta). The changes were done following an extensive public consultation exercise. Our Company, Malta Public Transport is contractually required to run these routes. Through the introduction of these changes, we are confident that the public will benefit from an improved service which includes an increase in frequencies particularly in peak times and new routes that cover new areas which were not covered before. I am sure there are areas that can be improved, and we will pass on your comments to the Authority for them to consider.
With regard to route 12, although this route is no longer being operated, passengers can now use routes 212 and 203 to travel between Sliema and Bugibba. Together these routes operate three buses per hour. Although this is less than what was offered before, it does not include the passenger demand from Valletta, which makes a significant difference.
I would also like to inform you that all new routes are available on Google Maps (including the mobile APP) and also on our journey planner available on our website (http://www.publictransport.com.mt/journey_planner?l=1). The actual timetables on all 2,000 bus stops will be updated this month.
I hope this clarified your concerns, but please do not hesitate to contact us should you require any further information.
Kind Regards,
Konrad Pulé
General Manager
Public Transport Malta
The Third Eye would like to thank Malta Public Transport for taking note of The Third Eye’s previous publication and further appreciates the official response received.