Arriva ‘takes safety extremely seriously’

Arriva yesterday “categorically” denied that bendy buses lacked working safety features, slamming claims that locks preventing vehicles from moving with doors opened were “almost always” off. Commercial director Fabien Courtellemont was reacting to an item that appeared on The Times on Thursday in which two former bendy bus drivers described the situation as a “tragedy waiting to happen”. Mr Courtellemont said all drivers were trained to use the locking feature properly and action was taken to prevent “fraudulent” use, with “strong disciplinary action” against staff who used it improperly. “All Arriva Malta buses, included articulated buses, are equipped with safety features beyond the specifications of the contract between Transport Malta and Arriva Malta and in line with European and international standards,” he said. “These features include, among others, contact sensors that prevent doors from closing on a passenger but instead reopen automatically and a system preventing buses from moving with open doors.” Arriva also denied it ignored the warnings of retired bus driver and instructor Gary Simmonds. “Mr Simmonds has talked personally with Mr Courtellemont but stated he will...