New Autonomous Bus in Gozo and Malta for EU-Funded Pilot project

by Gozo News · May 14, 2026

A brand new autonomous bus has arrived in Malta, marking the start of a structured testing phase of at least six months in both Gozo and Malta.

Malta Public Transport explained that the vehicle will be tested on routes in Malta and Gozo, as part of a pilot led locally by Malta Public Transport, the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works and the University of Malta as part of the metaCCAZE project. The project aims to explore the future of intelligent and autonomous mobility on the island.

Malta Public Transport has also launched a new digital signage system across key transport hubs in Malta and Gozo, providing passengers with real-time travel information.

The system has been introduced in key locations such as the Valletta Terminal, Malta International Airport, Marsa Park & Ride, Rabat Interchange, the University of Malta, and Mgarr Harbour in Gozo.

The modern digital displays, which are clearly visible day and night, provide clear and up-to-date journey information while using very little energy. The system is based on ultra-low-power technology, which allows the units to run on batteries, removing the need for external power. The signage system is made of anti-reflective glass to ensure high readability, within a sealed structure.

The panels show real-time updates for bus departures and service information, helping passengers plan their journeys. Updates are delivered quickly through high-speed internet connections and are managed centrally to ensure all information remains consistent across the network.

Malta Public Transport said that the pilot project on the autonomous bus will assess the performance on ”carefully selected, pre-approved routes that will begin operating in June this year. Designed to carry up to 15 people, the vehicle will begin operations through a phased rollout, starting with controlled trials, before the route officially opens for public use.”

MPT stressed that ”safety is central to the pilot design. A trained safety operator will be on board at all times during testing, with the ability to take immediate control whenever required. The trial will follow a defined safety and authorisation process, in line with a stringent new regulatory framework published by Transport Malta. Continuous monitoring and data collection will allow for a system and service performance evaluation.”

The pilot in Gozo and Malta, is part of the metaCCAZE project, co-funded by the European Union through the Horizon Europe programme. metaCCAZE aims to revolutionise mobility in European cities, serving both passengers and freight, with innovative electric, automated, and connected solutions designed to make transport smarter, net zero, and more efficient for all. Other innovative pilots have been launched in nine other European cities, including Tampere (Finland), and Amsterdam (the Netherlands).

Malta Public Transport said that ”metaCCAZE is a Horizon Europe project supported by the European Commission under grant agreement No 101139678. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. metaCCAZE is a project under the CIVITAS Initiative, an EU funded programme working to make sustainable and smart mobility a reality for all, and contributes to the goals of the EU Mission Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities.”