Island Buses Malta Limited (IBML) one of the bidders for the bus service contract, said today it would not contest the government's choice of preferred bidder.

Referring to queries by the media after the government selected Autobuses Urbanos de Leon S.L. but started talks before making the formal announcement, the consortium said that while it had grounds to appeal this decision, it did not deem it appropriate and in the interest of the public to seek this route since an appeal may hinder the authorities in their negotiations with the preferred bidder.

"IBML, being a company whose members have a long and extensive experience in the sector of passenger transport, feels that the Maltese public has the right to have access to an efficient and top quality public transport service, as dictated by the Expression of Interest. It is for such reason that IBML submitted its detailed offer in response to the EOI in the belief that it would have been and is able to provide a service which the Maltese general public truly deserves."