Arriva consortium announced as preferred bidder for Malta bus contract

Leading European bus and train operator Arriva plc is set to enter the Maltese transport market after its consortium was named the single preferred bidder in the tender to provide scheduled bus services in Malta.

The state transport authority Transport Malta confirmed today that the Arriva Malta consortium, including local partners Tumas Group and Malta Land Transport, is the preferred bidder for the concession to operate bus services in Malta and Gozo. Formal award of the 10-year concession, subject to the successful conclusion of negotiations with Transport Malta, is expected next month.

Arriva Malta’s plans involve replacing a large part of the islands’ ageing bus fleet. New vehicles will greatly improve passenger comfort and reduce the environmental impact of transport in Malta.

David Evans, Arriva’s managing director – mainland Europe, said: “We are delighted to be announced preferred bidder. The vision of the Maltese government is for a 21st century public transport system. Arriva and our consortium partners have the skills and expertise to make that vision a reality. Our investment in new buses and advanced technology for passengers is set to put Malta ahead of many major European cities, with a public transport system of which the people of Malta can be proud.”

George Fenech, executive chairman and managing director of Tumas Group said: “This concession marks the beginning of a new exciting era for the mobility of everyone across Malta and Gozo. The new network will provide vastly improved travel options which, together with a high quality of service, will provide a sustainable alternative to the private car.”

Arriva Malta plans to use technology to provide passengers with real-time information and new timetables will improve reliability with additional buses provided in peak hours. Mobile phone and smart card based ticketing using proven technology will improve convenience for passengers.

Arriva is committed to high quality training and development and training will play a major part in the recruitment and mobilisation plan. Training will be provided on new buses, customer service and operating systems for drivers, other staff and our many new driver recruits, and will be an important aspect in delivering the planned improvements.

With Arriva’s extensive experience in operating transport systems across 12 European countries and good reputation for delivering high quality services and improving customer satisfaction, the Arriva consortium is well placed to implement the new public transport system in Malta.

Once contract negotiations are concluded, we understand that Transport Malta will make a public announcement. If we are announced the winner of the contract at that stage we will be able to speak in more detail of the exciting new transport network and service for customers in Malta and Gozo.

Ends

Enquiries:
General media enquiries about Arriva plc
Corporate Communications, Arriva plc
Telephone +44 (0)191 520 4000
Fax+44 (0)191 520 4001
E-mail enquiries@arriva.co.uk

Malta-based contacts
Kate Griffin, Arriva plc
Telephone: (+44) 7824303805

Malcolm J. Naudi, MJN Communications
Telephone: (+356) 2345 6450
Mobile: (+356) 9990 0207
malcolm.j.naudi@mjncommunications.com

Notes to editors

• The Arriva Malta consortium brings together Arriva plc, a leading European transport services provider with substantial, proven experience of delivering change in 12 European countries, the Tumas Group, a strong Maltese partner with a proven track record of working with the public sector, and a partner, Malta Land Transport plc, a company formed by a group of the existing bus owners with considerable local market knowledge.
• Arriva is one of the largest private sector providers of passenger transport in Europe, employing more than 42,300 people (including share of associate companies) and providing more than one billion passenger journeys every year.
• Arriva provides transport services including buses, trains, commuter coaches and water buses, and operates in 12 European countries: Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and the UK.
• On 17 June 2010 Arriva’s shareholders voted in favour of a recommended offer for Arriva by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn AG.