Malta Public Transport has invested €20 million on 30 new electric buses that are being used on the road. Through this increase, up to 410 more trips will be made every day in 16 routes that are considered crucial for connectivity.

The investment was announced during an event attended by Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Aaron Farrugia and Chairman of Malta Public Transport (MPT) Felipe Cosmen in the presence of Transport Malta CEO Jonathan Borg and MPT General Manager Konrad Pule.

Each bus will be able to travel up to 300 kilometres on a single charge. This will ensure that each bus will be able to offer a long-term service before the need to be charged again, the minister said

These electric buses are designed to improve the overall travel experience, reduce noise and reduce emissions by around 70% when compared to other non-electric buses. These buses will also offer a number of ancillary services, where every passenger can make use of charging points and free WiFi that ensure a comfortable travel experience for everyone.

The government, he said, is committed to continue the process of electrifying a number of buses per year. It is planned that in the year 2025, 120 diesel buses will be replaced with electric ones through an investment of €80 million, coming from both the government and the operator. The government is also undergoing a process of collaboration with the operator where an evaluation is currently being made of how the public transport service can be made more efficient and reliable.

A pilot project will also start on routes with low-demand and in village cores where an electric minibus will be added to the current fleet.

During the ceremony, another logistical investment was inaugurated. The Floriana Park and Ride will serve as a charging hub for these buses. Through this efficient charging infrastructure, each bus can be charged in around two hours. This infrastructure will be ensuring the necessary efficiency for the operation of these buses to be of the highest level.

Farrugia emphasised on the government’s unprecedented investment in alternative transport with the investment in public transportation given a priority to reduce personal car dependence.

“The introduction of free public transportation for all resulted in a significant increase in passengers and demand. The government will keep on collaborating with the operator, so that the country receives a valuable service and routes and frequencies are changed to meet the needs of the many new demographics. This is in addition to our commitment to further electrify the fleet,” Minister Farrugia explained.

From his end, Malta Public Transport Chairman Felipe Cosmen stated, “In August 2023, we reached a significant milestone by carrying over 6 million passengers for the first time. This is extremely positive, it is a strong sign of confidence in our bus operation, and shows that people in Malta are willing to use the bus. However, we cannot stop here. We need to continue to make public transport even more attractive.”

“This significant investment reflects our commitment to providing a greener, more efficient, and customer-centric transportation system for our community. Together, we can make a significant difference in our journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable future for Malta's transportation."

This investment will lead to increased service frequencies on key routes, resulting in reduced waiting times and more available space on buses. It also aligns with the goal of reducing traffic congestion and pollution on the roads by encouraging sustainable transportation alternatives, an MPT statement said.

The new 12-metre King Long Amigo electric buses are equipped with modern amenities such as accessibility features, air conditioning, USB chargers, and free Wi-Fi, enhancing the passenger experience with a quieter and smoother ride. These electric buses are equipped with advanced battery technology, delivering a range of up to 300 kilometres on a single charge. Most buses can be charged overnight, ensuring uninterrupted service from morning to evening, with the option for fast charging at the electric bus charging depot during the day.

The introduction of these electric buses will significantly reduce tailpipe emissions, cut greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 70%, minimize noise pollution, and promote energy efficiency, resulting in an estimated reduction of 1,800 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year compared to diesel buses.

The charging stations offer a wide power range, from 20kWh to 240kWh, thanks to a unique two-socket solution. The 3MW charging system, serving up to 30 buses concurrently, is a pioneering initiative in Malta.

Malta Public Transport's commitment to electrification began in January 2020 with the pilot of an electric bus in the Maltese islands. Last year, two fully-electric 12-metre buses were introduced into the fleet, allowing for comprehensive testing and preparation for the launch of the new electric fleet.

In addition to the electric buses, Malta Public Transport said it is also piloting an electric minibus to assess its performance on low-demand routes and in village cores, offering a smaller capacity option.