Malta Public Transport has announced a significant investment of eight million euros in acquiring 30 new buses to improve service reliability, while addressing the growing demand for public transport in the country.
With this addition, the fleet will expand to 500 units, maintaining Malta’s status as one of the leading European countries in public transport accessibility.
The new vehicles are equipped with Euro 6 diesel technology.
Why haven’t they acquired more electric buses yet?
“Our experience with electric buses has been positive, but it has shown us that these require extensive infrastructure and manufacturing processes, leading to longer implementation times,” says Felipe Cosmen, Chairman of Malta Public Transport.
“It would have been unfair to our passengers to wait for more electric units, which is why we decided to increase the number of buses immediately, to further improve the efficiency of our public transport network,” he adds.
However, plans are underway with the Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works to introduce 120 fully electric zero-emission buses by the end of 2025, supported by European Resilience and Recovery Funds.
With the support of various stakeholders, including the government and the Authority for Transport in Malta, Malta Public Transport is dedicated to shaping the future of public transport in the country.
Through continuous investment, sustainability efforts, and a focus on customer satisfaction, the company aims to provide a safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly transport solution for the community.
Malta Malta Public Transport aims to meet user demand
Malta Public Transport recorded a 19 per cent increase in passenger numbers during the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year, reaching 17.2 million passengers.
The number of active Tallinja cardholders who used the bus at least once in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter of 2024 also rose by 19 per cent, from 188,000 to 224,000, reflecting the growing use of public transport among residents.
“We have listened to our drivers and our passengers, who called for more space on the buses, and our investment in these 30 new buses underscores our commitment to fulfilling this promise,” states Cosmen.
The 30 new buses, equipped with amenities such as USB chargers and free WiFi, prioritise passenger safety and comfort.
The company remains committed to improving the customer experience, as evidenced by recent enhancements to the Tallinja App, offering real-time bus tracking and service alerts, which have received positive feedback from bus users.
