The bus scene in Malta is about to change. It is very likely that the vast assortment of old and very eye-catching buses serving Malta and Gozo will disappear pretty rapidly when the preferred bidder, Arriva, takes over in 2011. At the moment most of the buses are driver/owner and are as individual as the drivers themselves.

As to the buses - don't be deceived. Maltese buses will lie to you - big time. What it says on the front is not likely to bear any relation to what is actually underneath. If it says AEC or Leyland, it probably isn't. You need the book (British Bus Publishing - Malta Bus Handbook). I mention this not to advertise it but merely as a help to fellow enthusiasts planning to visit the Islands.

BUT do it soon - as I say, things are about to change.