I recently needed to do some errands in Valletta. I took bus number 45, which used to pass by regularly at 20-minute intervals, but which now turns up every half hour. It’s a pity that bus numbers 37 and 38 to Mater Dei have been phased out, as these provided a regular service to the hospital and then proceeded to Valletta. Bus 238 replaced bus 38 but its final destination is Mater Dei and not Valletta.

Another time I decided to take one of the buses passing through the centre of Mosta. I didn’t have to wait long, as most number 40 buses converge near the Rotunda. I cannot recall what bus number I boarded but it was already nearly full up near Balzan.

Six passengers crowded together near the driver and he urged them twice to move backwards as more people boarded the bus. Finally, the vehicle was jam-packed with passengers standing up. Unfortunately, there didn’t seem to be any cool air in the bus. Was the air conditioner on?

The journey from Mosta to Valletta took about an hour and the bus was caught in three long traffic jams, one approaching the Lija cemetery up to the roundabout, another in Birkirkara and the last one in Msida.

On my return journey home I complained to the bus driver about his sudden breaking, before a bus stop, which hurled passengers who were standing forward. He explained that a wise driver applies the brakes gradually, well before approaching a bus stop, but in reality only a few drivers do this.

I would also like to highlight the fact that there are only a few shelters for commuters waiting at St James Ditch, so passengers are exposed to the elements.

Why wasn’t the main bus terminus kept in the same place as before?

This has adequate shelters, adequate seating, a very wide pavement and snack bars.