Discriminatory bus fares are this government's mess - Muscat

The Government has taken a political decision to not answer a European Commission query about dual-rate public transport ticket prices in an attempt to disclaim responsibility, Labour leader Joseph Muscat has charged. Describing the issue as a "hot potato", Dr Muscat said that he expected those responsible for introducing the system to sort it out. "Just because those responsible are PN candidates or retiring ministers, it does not mean they can now wash their hands of this mess," he said, in a thinly-veiled reference to Transport Minister Austin Gatt and his right-hand man, PN candidate Manuel Delia. Under local public transport regulations, Maltese citizens and residents pay less for bus tickets than tourists or foreigners without proof of Maltese residency. The system has caught the Commission's attention. It has given the government until the end of March to adequately defend the system. Speaking before a large crowd in Zebbug during a special edition of One TV programme TX, Dr Muscat said he was "not surprised" by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi's assertion - made yesterday during a debate organised by The Times - that he would not resign as party leader if he suffered...