Public transport: How to raise expectations and fuel disappointment By maltatoday Jul 14, 2008 Public Transport Federation holds a four-day wildcat strike Period: Jul 14, 2008 to Oct 24, 2011 Public transport: Expectations and disappointment Dec 3, 2008 Transport Malta announces finalised plans for the bus route restructuring Aug 1, 2010 Arriva is named the preferred bidder for the 10-year contract to operate bus services in Malta. Dec 13, 2010 Arriva defends its announced plans for a ‘two-tier’ ticketing system which would charge non-residents higher rates than residents. Jul 2, 2011 First day of Arriva service. Over 50 bus drivers fail to show up for work. Austin Gatt: “I hope the striking drivers are sacked”. Jul 4, 2011 All striking drivers are sacked by Arriva. Jul 6, 2011 Gatt admits that he “never expected transport reform to be that difficult.” Jul 21, 2011 Emanuel Cini goes on hunger strike and calls for Gatt’s resignation. Sep 5, 2011 Austin Gatt on Joseph Muscat: he has started “recognising the inevitable: the incontestable success of the public transport reform”. Sep 9, 2011 Tourism stakeholders vent frustration and anger that the service was negatively affecting Malta’s tourism product. Sep 27, 2011 Labour presents a motion in parliament calling for Austin Gatt’s resignation. Oct 6, 2011 A 20-year-old university student angrily confronts Gatt and calls him a “fucking wanker” to his face. Oct 12, 2011 Transport Ministry announces a 22% increase in public transport usage in Malta and especially Gozo. Oct 13, 2011 Nationalist MP Franco Debono says he might abstain on the Opposition motion to censure Gatt. Oct 15, 2011 Gatt announces changes to the bus routes to bring them in line with “what the people want.” Oct 17, 2011 Nationalist MP Michael Gonzi complains that new service did not improve over previous one.
