Bus subsidy expected to increase further after first year

The €23 million subsidy to the new public transport provider is expected to increase after the first year of service, Transport Minister Joe Mizzi has indicated. The amount is more than double what used to be given to Arriva, which, Mr Mizzi believes, was not enough to support the service it provided. He yesterday told Times of Malta the new service would require continuous investment and this would be reflected in the level of financial aid given. Mr Mizzi would not indicate by how much the subsidy would increase subsequently, saying talks had only just been finalised with regard to next year’s amount. At the peak of its operations, Arriva was receiving about €10 million in State aid.   The contract with the Spanish bus operator is expected to be signed in the coming weeks and a soft opening of the new service is scheduled for January, with new routes being gradually added as more buses are bought.