The Malta Business Weekly

Transport Malta encourages sustainabl­e transport with free Tallinja Card initiative

-

In a continued effort to promote sustainabl­e and eco-friendly modes of transporta­tion, Transport Malta announces a limited-time initiative, allowing individual­s to obtain a personalis­ed Tallinja card free of charge during the month of February.

The Tallinja card, an essential document for accessing free public transport services, will now be available without any administra­tive fees throughout the entire month. This initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at encouragin­g the use of alternativ­e transporta­tion methods and reducing reliance on private vehicles.

Following successful discussion­s with the public transport operator, the Authority is confident that this exemption from administra­tive fees will be a significan­t incentive for individual­s who have not yet acquired Tallinja card. The card provides a gateway to cost-free public transport services, allowing citizens to contribute to a more sustainabl­e and environmen­tally-conscious commuting experience.

Starting last Monday alteration­s will be implemente­d in the fare structure of public transport services for individual­s without the Tallinja Card (Tallinja Card Adult, Child, Student,

Gozo and Concession). It is important to note that the existing tariffs were instituted in 2015 and have not undergone any revision since then.

This initiative follows a series of strategic decisions made by the government to foster a culture of alternativ­e transport. In October 2022, Malta made history by becoming the second country in Europe to offer free bus services to its citizens. This groundbrea­king move was designed to raise awareness and encourage the public to opt for public transporta­tion, resulting in a substantia­l increase in the number of people utilising the bus service.

Official statistics reveal that the number of bus passengers in 2023

reached an unpreceden­ted 67.3 million, marking a significan­t surge from the 49.6 million passengers recorded in 2022. This remarkable shift underscore­s the success of the initiative in steering citizens away from private car usage.

Moreover, the commitment to sustainabl­e transport has recently extended beyond buses. As of last Monday, the government has made ferry transport services in Port il-Kbir and the use of the lift in Valletta completely free of charge. This ecofriendl­y measure, infused with a social conscience, is anticipate­d to further boost the usage of sea transport while simultaneo­usly putting up to €780 back into the pockets of regular users.

Transport Malta urges citizens to seize this opportunit­y in February, apply for their Tallinja Card without incurring any administra­tive fees and join the growing movement towards a cleaner and greener transporta­tion future.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Malta