Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party said payments reflecting
the budgetary increase in the public subsidy to Arriva should be
withheld before it is ensured that all buses are accessible for
persons with disability.

Michael Briguglio, Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party
Chairperson, said: “It is disappointing to learn that some Arriva
buses are not fully accessible to persons with disability due to lack
of ramps in the international market. Whilst one appreciates that the
public transport reform got rid of inaccessible junk buses, AD
believes that the current problem should not have resulted in the
first place. Universal accessibility to public transport and all other
public services and infrastructure is a basic right, and not something
conditional or something dependent on charity. We augur that this
problem is resolved as soon as possible and that it does not happen
again in the future”.

Claire Azzopardi Lane, AD spokesperson for Disability Issues and
Sports, said: “Having someone to help wheelchair users to board and
alight is not a dignified alternative. Persons with disability require
full access to public transport”.