Countdown to free public transport in Malta. From 1st October 2022 Malta will become the only second EU country to introduce free public transport for all residents and holders of the Tallinja Card.
In an attempt to reach Malta’s Low Carbon target finance minister Clyde Cauana announced, in the government’s budget 2021, that Malta’s bus service will become free of charge for all residents in a move to encourage better use of public transport and reduce congestion on the roads. He stated that it was the government’s objective to make the bus service a good alternative to private vehicles. This is a substantial saving for people, up to €390 a year, who currently regularly use public transport.
Majority of residents in Malta use a Tallinja Card on Malta’s buses and ferries. A Tallinja Card is an intelligent contactless bus card similar to the UK’s Oyster card. Getting a Tallinja Card is simple and straight forward and can be applied for online.
There is a registration free and currently one has to add €20 to activate the card. There has been no announcement as yet if the requirement of €20 top up of the card will be necessary after 1st October 2022.
*Source maltatoday & Malta Public Transport