Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/240181
15 News maltatoday, SUNDAY, 12 JANUARY 2014 Opposition wants publication of Arriva transfer agreement THE Nationalist Party has called on the government to publish its share-transfer agreement with Arriva, one week after state-owned Malta Public Transport Services Ltd took over the country's public transport operations. "During this transitional period, it is crucial for the government to be transparent in its operations. Consequently, prior to handing over the operations to a new operator, the PL government must publish its agreement with Arriva to ensure that all stakeholders are aware of the real picture," Nationalist MP and spokesperson for transport Toni Bezzina (pictured) said. The start of the new year saw Transport Malta and Arriva officially sign a share-transfer agreement, bringing to an end Arriva's two and a half years in Malta. The agreement saw Transport Malta take over Arriva's vehicles as well as its operations. However, the government is yet to publish its agreement with Arriva – a bone of contention for Bezzina, who is saying that transparency on this matter demands that the government publishes its agreement with Arriva. "A better public transport system can only be achieved if the government publishes its agreement with Arriva. This would allow all stakeholders and the government, to discuss the positive aspects of Arriva's stay in Malta and more importantly, to address its negative characteristics," Bezzina said. The MP also deemed the current transitional period "very important" for the government to analyse its public transport system and recommend measures to improve quality and efficiency. "The government is expected to be the ideal transport operator – a feat which can only be achieved if it ensures an efficient service, a control on bus fares and subsidies as well as the safeguarding of workers' future," Bezzina said. Meanwhile, a bus was evacuated yesterday as a precautionary measure after an overheated exhaust pipe created smoke in the back of a bus. No one was injured while the bus suffered no major damage. The incident occurred in the vicinity of Rabat. Malta Public Transport Services Ltd said the evacuation was in line with safety norms. San Anton school set to grow again PLANS have been submitted for an ex- tension of the San Anton School located outside development zones in l-Imsellit, in Mgarr. The school was controversially approved on agricultural land by the newly-elected PN government in 1989, through an act of parliament. The site was further extended through permits issued for new facilities in 1994. Through the latest application, the school is seeking permission to construct a new underground car park and to sanction minor deviations from previous plans. Nine new classrooms and laboratories at ground level, a new multi-purpose hall as well as four new classrooms at second floor are being proposed. The development involves the felling of a number of trees. EUROPEAN JOB FAIR San Anton School s get sixtension the production sharing contract is now 17 July 2014. Dr Bill Higgs, CEO of Mediterranean Oil and Gas, said: "We appreciate the continued support of the Maltese Government as we prepare to drill the Hagar Qim 1 exploration well with our partner Genel Energy. The first half of 2014 will be an important time for the Company with the drilling of two exploration wells; one offshore Malta Area 4 and one onshore Italy. This increased activity is an important step forward for the Company." Mediterranean Oil and Gas believes the Hagar Qim exploration well could hold as much as 109 million barrels of oil. Oil explorers Cairn have also signed an exploration study agreement with the Maltese government and acquired a 40% stake in the same area. The two-year agreement entered by Cairn includes 2-D seismic data. It also includes the right for a production sharing contract negotiation as well as the option of a third-year agreement extension to acquire 3-D seismic data. FRIDAY 17TH & SATURDAY 18TH JANUARY 2014 09:00 - 13:00 / 15:00 - 19:00 PHOENICIA HOTEL