Government has launched the 'Silver T' transportation service pilot project for elderly persons living in the community today.

Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing Anthony Agius Decelis said that in 2017, government recognised the need for the elderly to have better access to services and social activities.

The Silver T service will allow elderly persons the ability to conduct their errands daily within the community they live, without having to depend on their families and friends, a government statement read.

The service will be available for those who have the elderly card (Karta Anzjana) and who live in the localities of Zurrieq, Gzira and Mosta for now, for them to be able to go to the bank, the clinic, the local council, the monti, and places of worship.

The service will be operated by the transport services foind at St Vincent de Paile. Elderly persons can book to make use of the service between Monday and Friday, between 7am and 2 pm. Booking must occur between two to three days prior, and not more than a week ahead.

Information will be gathered through this pilot project in order to better understand the needs of the elderly, and the demand for the service, allowing the operators to evaluate whether this service is sustainable in other localities.