The Tallinja cards will be available over the counter as from July, the Malta Public Transport operator announced today.

Speaking during a news conference aimed at clarifying certain issues which cropped up this week on the new bus fare cards, MPT commercial director Daniel Grech said that people need not register for a card as from July and can purchase the card there and then.

The MPT also clarified the situation concerning foreigners: “There is no distinction in bus tariffs for foreigners and locals,” the spokesman said.

This newsroom asked MPT whether foreigners can use their ID card to register online instead of their passport since those travelling within Schengen areas normally use ID cards to do so, to which MPT replied in the affirmative.

MPT receives 21,000 card applications

The MPT, so far, has received 21,000 card applications. A staggering 400 to 500 customers per hour are applying online, MPT said.

“We have received a very good response to our campaign,” MPT continued.

The card, MPT said, is an ‘intelligent’ plastic card which uses the same concept as mobile phone prepaid cards.

“The innovative thing about it is that it has a capping system in place whereby 60+ citizens, for instance, can travel for free for the rest of the day after they would have utilised their 50c per day credit. 25c is deducted for every trip but the maximum amount that will be deducted from their card daily is 50c.

As for adults between 17 and 59 years old, there exists a different capping system, whereby customers have a monthly capping instead of a daily one.

“The fact that we introduced these cards makes it simpler for everyone: less waiting time to board the bus for customers which in turn will also reduce cars lining up behind buses,” MPT said.

MPT also explained that customers can register their ID card number online and give their consent for MPT to access their data, making it simpler for customers.

MPT also explained that as part of its campaign, it will be holding a number of road shows in various localities for customers to register themselves and to explain to them how the system works, starting off with Sliema tomorrow.

Unused credit will be carried forward, MPT said when asked by this newsroom.

Sales points to increase

MPT also highlighted that the sales points for those who are not computer savvy and want to register in person have increased from four to seven outlets. Besides Sliema, Valletta, Bugibba and Malta International Airport, customers can now also register their details at Mgarr’s port in Gozo, the University and Mater Dei’s reception.

GWU-MPT dispute

As for the GWU-MPT dispute, MPT said that they are looking to resolve the issue as soon as possible in the interest of everybody however stopped short of saying what the outcome of urgent discussions held today was.

MPT said when asked that training for drivers to become more customer-oriented is under way however explained that this is a long-term process.

Photos: Jonathan Borg