The historical and charming Malta bus is on its way out, as the impending public transport reform will phase out any buses that are more than 15 years old.
The reform, which will revolutionise the Maltese public transport by creating feeder routes to several termini across the islands, will usher in new ‘European-style’ vehicles to improve environmental standards for bus fleets.
Only 130 buses of the current fleet of 508 meet the required standards to be used on the new routes. The rest of the buses are likely to meet their end in a recycling plant, as an arrangement has already been reached with Wasteserv. Others will be passed on to Heritage Malta for display in a transport museum.
Under the new system, 70% of the new fleet had to meet Euro 3 standards and the other 30% had to be Euro 4 compliant. By the second year, the fleet has to be 50% in line with Euro 3 standards, the remainder with Euro 4. By the fourth year, all buses must be Euro 4 compliant or better.
The transport ministry, which is leading the reform, said the new fleet will result in less pollution through a reduction of hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter being released into the air.
The reform will also introduce electric buses, double deckers, and bendy buses. The new air-conditioned buses will also be equipped with CCTV and electronic displays of the destination both at the front and back of the buses. Buses also have to be accessible to wheelchair users and drivers will be required to be both fluent in Maltese and have a knowledge of basic English, refrain from smoking on duty and also be presentable.
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