Image: Government of MaltaLet’s first look at the new electric buses. These will be operated by Malta Public Transport and are intended to further electrify the operator’s fleet, which the government said will eventually more than double in size. The investment also supports Malta’s objective of deploying a fully electric public transport fleet on the island of Gozo.While the bus manufacturer was not named in the government’s press release, images released alongside the announcement show buses from Chinese manufacturer King Long. However, the exact model is not identifiable.“This marks another significant step towards cleaner and more technologically advanced public transport,” said Transport Minister Chris Bonett.He added that the initiative forms part of the wider Malta in Motion strategy, which includes investment in public transport, upgraded infrastructure, innovative technologies and sustainable mobility solutions.Bonett described the programme as evidence that the Malta in Motion plan is being implemented in practice. “This is not a plan or presentation on paper, but a vision being built step by step, investment after investment,” he said.Autonomous electric shuttle trials to begin in JuneAlongside the fleet expansion, Malta Public Transport confirmed that trials of an autonomous electric shuttle will begin next month on pre-approved routes in Malta and Gozo. The vehicle can carry up to 15 passengers and will initially operate under controlled testing conditions before any possible public deployment.The autonomous shuttle project is being carried out by Malta Public Transport, the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works and the University of Malta under the EU-funded metaCCAZE programme within Horizon Europe. The initiative is intended to explore the potential of autonomous and connected mobility solutions in Malta.A trained safety operator will remain on board throughout the testing phase and will be able to take control of the vehicle if required. According to the government, the trials will be conducted under a newly established regulatory and safety framework issued by Transport Malta, with continuous monitoring and data collection used to assess vehicle and service performance.timesofmalta.com, gov.mt (in Maltese)
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