More new buses to hit the road

Some 25 bus owners have signed a contract with the government to receive a Lm32,000 subsidy to buy a new low-floor bus.

Transport Minister Censu Galea said yesterday that there were seven new buses on the road and another five owners were in the process of concluding negotiations.

Another 110 had signed an agreement entitling them to the subsidy but were still in discussions with bus manufacturers and suppliers. They had up till the end of July to sign the contract with the government.

The minister said an agreement had also been reached between the Bank of Valletta, the Public Transport Authority and the Public Transport Association regarding the financing of the difference between the subsidy and the remainder of the cost of the bus.

The new buses cost about Lm45,000 apiece. They are more spacious and comfortable than the old ones and are easier to board.

Mr Galea said that practically all owners intend to take advantage of the subsidy.

Those who did have to hand over their old bus to the government. The ministry would then take stock of their condition and see what use could be made of them.

Several would be restored to be displayed in a future transport museum.