Bendy buses to remain off the roads... for now

Bendy buses will remain off the roads for the time being, despite Arriva’s report on the technical tests which were concluded this weekend, Transport Minister Joe Mizzi said this morning. Speaking during an activity in Birkirkara, he said he was still not satisfied that these buses were safe and Arriva’s report did not give him the certainty he had asked for. He said he was waiting for further technical answers on a number of issues, but did not say what these issues were. In an interview in The Sunday Times of Malta last Sunday, the minister had said he did not publish Transport Malta’s technical report because it contained certain technical information that could be used by some to cause problems. Mr Mizzi said that the ministry’s position would be communicated to Arriva later today. He said there was no timeline yet as to when and if the bendy buses would return. The Unscheduled Bus Service would continue to operate on public transport routes to ensure that the service continued to be given. This contingency plan had worked as did that to cater for school transport.