Malta Public Transport has advised that it has added extra trips every day to its summer schedule to meet the increased demand.
In Gozo, Route 322 between Mgarr and Marsalforn, has increased its frequency to 45 minutes on weekdays and weekends during peak hours.
As of the 19th of June, Tallinja Direct Route between Mgarr and Xlendi in Gozo and Route TD31 between Mgarr and Marsalforn will start operating.
In total, fifteen routes will increase in frequency to ensure a more efficient and frequent service during summer.
Four routes will also be extended to reach popular beaches, including Armier, Lapsi, Gnejna and Blue Grotto, as Malta Public Transport strives to ensure accessibility during various seasonal travel preferences.
The extended four routes to serve popular beaches are the following:
Route 49 between Valletta and Mellieha will be extended to Armier Bay and will operate daily including at weekends.
Route 74 between Valletta and Zurrieq will be extended to Blue Grotto.
Routes 109 and 109A between Siggiewi and Bahrija will be extended to Lapsi Bay.
Route 101 and 101B between Mgarr and Cirkewwa will be extended to Gnejna Bay.
The eight routes to operate with an increase in frequency are the following:
Route 212 between Sliema and Bugibba, which will increase its frequency to every 20 minutes on weekdays and at weekends during peak hours.
Route 221 between Bugibba and Cirkewwa, which will increase its frequency to every 20 minutes on weekdays and at weekends during peak hours.
Route 222 between Sliema and Cirkewwa, which will increase its frequency to every 20 minutes on weekdays and at weekends during peak hours.
Route 223 between Bugibba and Ghajn Tuffieha, which will increase its frequency to every 20 minutes on weekdays and at weekends during peak hours.
Route 225 between Sliema and Ghajn Tuffieha, which will increase its frequency to every 20 minutes on weekdays and at weekends during peak hours.
Night route N13 between Valletta and St. Julian’s will increase its frequency on Saturday and Sunday.
Tallinja Direct services, which are routes that offer a quicker connection between popular localities in Malta, will also increase this summer.
Tallinja Direct Route TD2 between Airport and St. Julian’s, will restart operating with an increased frequency compared to previous years.
Moreover, as of the 3rd July 2022, there will be an increase in frequency in the following routes:
Route 41 between Valletta and Cirkewwa will increase its frequency to 20 minutes during peak times.
Route 42 between Valletta and Cirkewwa will increase its frequency to 20 minutes during peak times.
Route 212 between Sliema and Bugibba will increase its frequency to 15 minutes during peak times.
Route 221 between Bugibba and Cirkewwa will increase its frequency to 15 minutes during peak times.
Route 222 between Sliema and Cirkewwa will increase its frequency to 15 minutes during peak times.
Route 53 between Valletta and Rabat will operate every 30 minutes during most of the day.
Route TD13 between Valletta and Bugibba will increase its frequency to 15 minutes during peak times and to 20 minutes during peak times on weekends.
There will also be the following changes from the 3rd of July 2022 to coincide with the end of the scholastic year:
Route 43 between Valletta and Naxxar will operate every hour.
Route X1A from Cirkewwa to the University of Malta will be suspended.
Malta Public Transport said that the price for cash tickets and contactless payments during Summer is €2.00. Passengers using the Tallinja Card will continue to benefit from reduced rates. Adult, Student and Gozo Tallinja Card holders pay €0.75 per trip, and Child and Concession Tallinja Card holders pay €0.25 per trip, with different capping in place according to the card type.
The standard Night Route fares apply; €2.50 for Tallinja Card users and €3.00 for cash tickets. Tallinja Direct fares remain the same: €3.00 if paying cash on board the bus, €1.50 if paying with a personalised Tallinja Card and free when paying with the ExplorePlus Meep Card, which provides all-inclusive travel.
The schedules on bus stops are being updated in the next few days, MPT said. Customers are encouraged to download the free Tallinja App to access real-time bus arrival information for all bus stops in Malta and Gozo.
Photo: Alain Salvary