The Ministry for Sustainable Mobility, together with Transport Malta and Malta Public Transport, have announced three new circular routes that will come into effect from 8 September and will cover the localities of Sliema, Qormi and Żejtun. With a frequency of every 30 minutes from early morning until late at night, these routes will continue to strengthen the public transport network as part of the ongoing work to make this service more accessible, convenient and tailored to the demands of the communities.
These circular routes are being added to similar ones that have been introduced in recent months including Buġibba (406), Paola (401), Mosta/Ta’ Qali (405) and Marsaskala (191).
Route 410 will operate in Sliema, a locality that has continued to develop as an important commercial and tourist centre in recent years and which today also has a connection with Gozo, Buġibba and Valletta via ferry.
Route 409 will serve Qormi, a locality in the centre of Malta which today has an important commercial area, while being located close to the Park & Ride through which a substantial number of routes pass.
Route 407 will operate around Żejtun and facilitate access to the town centre, where a number of public services and other activities are located. The service is also intended to help those living on the outskirts of the town, particularly the elderly, to have easier access to the centre.
Minister for Sustainable Mobility, Chris Bonett, said that the increase in the number of circular buses is taking place as part of the Malta in Motion plan, with these routes intended to complement the new Tallinja service starting in 2030, and in the future, the La Valletta Line.
“Changes in public transport must be introduced gradually and therefore we are introducing these services from now on, while work is underway to design the new network with the aim of making effective changes based on people’s needs. In addition to the three routes that will come into effect from 8 September, the work will continue next year, as three more circular routes will be introduced in the first half of 2027, covering Rabat, Pembroke and Swieqi, as well as Cottonera. Thus, the Government will continue to gradually expand this type of service to more communities,” concluded Minister Bonett.
For his part, Leonid McKay Chief Executive of Transport Malta said “This is another concrete step by the Government to continue building a public transport system that puts people and communities at the centre. When demand grows, we must respond with more service, more connectivity and more choice. With these circular routes we are bringing public transport closer to residents, including in areas that were previously unserved, while continuing to invest in cleaner and more sustainable means. This is the type of public transport we want for our country: a reliable, efficient service that takes into account the social aspect of everyone who makes use of this service, which provides a real alternative to the private car and improves the quality of life of our families and communities.”
Konrad Pule, General Manager of Malta Public Transport said “The introduction of these new circular routes, which will be operated with electric vehicles, reflects the ongoing dialogue between Malta Public Transport, the Ministry for Sustainable Mobility and Transport Malta, as we continue to adapt the service to changing needs and support a network that is carrying more passengers year on year. This development complements our ongoing investment in the bus fleet, including the electrification of the public transport service in Gozo, as well as our ongoing investment in our employees.”
The three new routes that start tomorrow are another step in the gradual design of a more local, more integrated and more adapted public transport system to the needs of passengers.
Photos: MSM
Three new circular routes introduced for Tallinja service
The Ministry for Sustainable Mobility, together with Transport Malta and Malta Public Transport, have announced three new circular routes that will come into effect from 8 September and will cover the localities of Sliema, Qormi and Żejtun. With a frequency of every 30 minutes from early morning until late at night, these routes will continue to strengthen the public transport network as part of the ongoing work to make this service more accessible, convenient and tailored to the demands of the communities.
These circular routes are being added to similar ones that have been introduced in recent months including Buġibba (406), Paola (401), Mosta/Ta’ Qali (405) and Marsaskala (191).
Route 410 will operate in Sliema, a locality that has continued to develop as an important commercial and tourist centre in recent years and which today also has a connection with Gozo, Buġibba and Valletta via ferry.
Route 409 will serve Qormi, a locality in the centre of Malta which today has an important commercial area, while being located close to the Park & Ride through which a substantial number of routes pass.
Route 407 will operate around Żejtun and facilitate access to the town centre, where a number of public services and other activities are located. The service is also intended to help those living on the outskirts of the town, particularly the elderly, to have easier access to the centre.
Minister for Sustainable Mobility, Chris Bonett, said that the increase in the number of circular buses is taking place as part of the Malta in Motion plan, with these routes intended to complement the new Tallinja service starting in 2030, and in the future, the La Valletta Line.
“Changes in public transport must be introduced gradually and therefore we are introducing these services from now on, while work is underway to design the new network with the aim of making effective changes based on people’s needs. In addition to the three routes that will come into effect from 8 September, the work will continue next year, as three more circular routes will be introduced in the first half of 2027, covering Rabat, Pembroke and Swieqi, as well as Cottonera. Thus, the Government will continue to gradually expand this type of service to more communities,” concluded Minister Bonett.
For his part, Leonid McKay Chief Executive of Transport Malta said “This is another concrete step by the Government to continue building a public transport system that puts people and communities at the centre. When demand grows, we must respond with more service, more connectivity and more choice. With these circular routes we are bringing public transport closer to residents, including in areas that were previously unserved, while continuing to invest in cleaner and more sustainable means. This is the type of public transport we want for our country: a reliable, efficient service that takes into account the social aspect of everyone who makes use of this service, which provides a real alternative to the private car and improves the quality of life of our families and communities.”
Konrad Pule, General Manager of Malta Public Transport said “The introduction of these new circular routes, which will be operated with electric vehicles, reflects the ongoing dialogue between Malta Public Transport, the Ministry for Sustainable Mobility and Transport Malta, as we continue to adapt the service to changing needs and support a network that is carrying more passengers year on year. This development complements our ongoing investment in the bus fleet, including the electrification of the public transport service in Gozo, as well as our ongoing investment in our employees.”
The three new routes that start tomorrow are another step in the gradual design of a more local, more integrated and more adapted public transport system to the needs of passengers.
Photos: MSM
