The Silver T free transport service for people aged over 60 has had its operating hours extended, giving elderly people greater flexibility and independence when carrying out their daily duties in the community.

The service will now operate Monday to Friday from 7am to 4.30pm, instead of ending at 2pm, and will also operate on Saturday mornings.

The extension was announced by Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing Deo Debattista during a press conference attended by Permanent Secretary Renzo Degabriele, Active Ageing and Community Care CEO Steve Agius and Silver T representative Yaser Teebi.

The measure was included in the Labour Party's electoral manifesto and is being implemented during the first 100 days of the new Government.

Silver T provides free transport to people over 60 who require assistance to carry out their duties in the community. The service allows elderly people to travel to places including banks, markets, supermarkets, health centres and local councils without having to constantly depend on family members or friends.

More than 33,000 journeys were made through the Silver T service between the beginning of the year and the end of June, while around 1,000 people use the service every month. Since its launch in 2019, the service has continued to expand and is now available nationally across Malta and Gozo.

Debattista said the extension formed part of a wider political vision focused on the independence, dignity and participation of older people.

"For this Government, active ageing is not simply a slogan, but a policy that we are translating into concrete services that make a difference in people's daily lives," he said.

"Our services must adapt to the lives and needs of the elderly, not the elderly having to adapt to the services."

He added that behind every journey was a person who had been able to attend an appointment, carry out an errand or remain active in their community, as well as a family that could have peace of mind knowing their relative had reached their destination safely.

Degabriele said the extension reflected the Government's continued commitment to investing in accessible, flexible and person-centred community services.

Agius said the longer hours would allow Silver T to better respond to the needs of elderly people and give them greater choice when planning their appointments and daily responsibilities.

The Silver T service must be booked at least three days before transport is required.