Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/542972
maltatoday, Sunday, 19 July 2015 News Greens call for bus service improvements AlternAttivA Demokratika called on the operator of public transport to improve its customer care service and reliability. While pointing out that the in- troduction of the tallinja pre-paid cards had a positive effect on the service, the Greens called on Mal- ta Public transport to facilitate the use of the service by deploying more customer service staff. AD transport spokesperson ralph Cassar said some people, especially senior citizens, are not used to using the internet and credit cards and called for the in- troduction of more customer serv- ice points. Cassar added that in certain vil- lages the public transport service is still not reliable, with scheduled buses not showing up. "Can the operator inform us whether it has enough buses or are there still too few buses to keep up with the schedule? the operator or transport Malta should also clarify the situation about the €2 ticket bought on board – isn't it supposed to cover all journeys within two hours as advertised?" he asked. the AD spokesperson also un- derlined the importance of full transparency on the conditions of service, even where there are prob- lems, noting that "only through transparency can things improve." He also reiterated the Greens' call for the extension of public transport to a sea service, espe- cially between heavily congested places. "the same ticketing system should be used for these services, which can go a long way in reduc- ing traffic. As regards new forms of transport, what happened to the proposals the government submit- ted to the eU regarding the light rail system?" Moreover Cassar said the next challenge is that of reducing air pollution by controlling traffic such as at Paola, Msida and Mos- ta. "it is indeed a shame that the issue of pollution caused by traf- fic has been ignored, probably for electoral reasons and because the necessary measures are probably not that popular," he said. tenor Joseph Calleja (left) yesterday officially announced his annual concert in Malta and underlined the contribu- tion arts and culture can give to society. "i want to use art and culture to do something, i wouldn't say to change the world as this would sound too arrogant," he said, adding that if every- one makes a little effort Malta could give a contribution to the arts and help vulnerable people, especially children. Addressing a press confer- ence, the world-renowned tenor said that the event remains his darling, despite travelling the world over to perform in the most important theatres. the 3 August concert will see a number of local and interna- tional acts share the stage with him, including American singer Anastacia, the Malta Philhar- monic orchestra, local band red electrick and a children's choir. During the concert, which this year will be held at the luxol Grounds in Pembroke, Calleja will pay tribute to his mentor, Paul Asciak, who passed away earlier this year. the concert will be aired on Sky Arts in the UK as well as other channels in italy and Scandinavia among others. Proceeds from the concert will go to the Bov Joseph Calleja Foundation, set up in 2013 to perform a social func- tion among the most vulnerable individuals and social groups in the Maltese community. Specifically, its attention is tuned to underprivileged chil- dren and children with innova- tive, distinctive or unique artis- tic or musical talents who are in any way unable to develop or enhance their talents. entrance is free in the stand- ing areas while tickets for the seated areas start from €80. Maltese tenor says arts and culture could be used to help underprivileged children 'Culture and the arts can aid vulnerable children' – Calleja