Malta Public Transport takes on ride hailing

Passengers can now book their seat with the just launched TD Plus service through the new updated Talinja App.

This pilot project allows passengers to choose when and where they would like to be picked up and dropped off.

The system then checks the best ride available and provides the passenger with their trip confirmation.

This service will be initially offered on a select number of bus stops in the following localities: Valletta, Floriana, Pietà, Blata l-Bajda, Msida, San Ġwann, St Julian’s, Swieqi and Pembroke.

The service is available every day between 5.30am and 10.30pm.

As a special introductory offer, the service will be available at €2 per trip for all those customers who book through the Tallinja App during the month of June.

Customers may choose to pay for their trip with the credit on their Tallinja Card or using their credit card.

The fleet includes six new premium minibuses which are low floor and fully wheelchair accessible.

Free WiFi is available and seats are equipped with USB charging ports for added convenience. The minibuses can accommodate up to 16 passengers.

“Public transport is evolving around the world, and we want to be at the forefront of this by offering our passengers innovative and convenient ways of getting around Malta,” Konrad Pulé, General Manager at Malta Public Transport, said.

“We are very excited about this new project and we look forward to receiving more feedback to continue improving our service.”

To deliver this innovative service, Malta Public Transport has partnered with Ecolane, an on-demand scheduling and dispatching software company.

The service makes use of specific technology that matches the requests made by different passengers to select the most efficient route.
It offers greater flexibility, more comfort and added value while saving time.

Customers are able to book multiple passengers on a single trip, and request access for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

The system will also send notifications to alert the passengers that the bus is on its way to the bus stop.

“Ecolane is enthusiastic to have a partnership with Malta Public Transport for the TD Plus service,” said Steve Ross, CEO of Ecolane.

“As microtransit services continue to evolve, Ecolane strives to provide innovative technology solutions that enhance mobility options and community engagement for people who otherwise would not have access, especially when it is offered inclusively as part of public transportation.”