A pilot project designed to explore the potential benefits of utilising smaller, electric vehicles in localities and areas where current bus sizes may be less practical, is currently being conducted by Malta Public Transport.

Capable of accommodating up to 25 passengers, the new electric minibus is already in operation on a variety of routes, serving different villages across the island. These include Route 106: serving Attard, Lija, Balzan, Birkirkara, Mater Dei Hospital, and the University of Malta; Route 103: connecting Bidnija, Mosta, Naxxar, Bahar ic-Caghaq, and Pembroke; and Route 124: operating between Marsaskala, Zabbar, Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea.

However, MPT said that in the near future, the minibus will also be deployed on routes within Gozo, further expanding the scope of the pilot project study to encompass a variety of different scenarios.

The operator said that this service is only viable in localities with areas that have low passenger demand, predominantly due to the limit in carrying capacity of the minibuses, as well as limited to areas where the larger buses are unable to operate properly due to size constraints.

MPT, in collaboration with local transport authorities, said that it is using this pilot project to gain valuable insights on the adaptability and suitability of these minibuses for future transport endeavours.

This pilot project was put in action following public feedback received through recent surveys conducted by MPT as well as other organisations.

Malta Public Transport added that it has already experienced success when using smaller transport options such as the service run in Valletta and the on-demand services in various communities, both of which have gained significant popularity among commuters.

Plans are underway to explore the integration of electric minibuses on both existing and potential new routes, with the scope of connecting villages to main bus terminals and bolstering transport links, it said.

This continues to complement the surge in passenger numbers that Malta Public Transport said it has been experiencing during the past months, reaching a peak of 6.1 million passengers in August 2023.

Furthermore, Malta Public Transport’s new electric minibus is being evaluated for its suitability in “on-demand” transport services, potentially complementing the existing bus fleet to enhance the flexibility and convenience of public transport.

For further information, one can visit www.publictransport.com.mt

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