Karl WP Beyer Over and over! Malta's old English-made buses are long gone. The oldtimers, which were aged a quarter of a century ago, regularly made us smile. The drivers decorated “their” bus with family photos, photos of their favorite animals, curtains or images of saints.
The customs ended at the latest when the transport service provider Arriva stopped the bus service in mid-2011 Malta and Gozo took over. Malta Public Transport followed Arriva in January 2014.
Malta - vintage bus
Those who are nostalgic may regret the development, since with the historic buses a piece of tradition has disappeared forever. The Maltese, on the other hand, welcome the change. Since the old timers were scrapped, they have been traveling across the islands in comfortable, air-conditioned and environmentally friendly buses.
Valletta's bus terminal is behind the City Gate on the left and right of the roundabout at the Triton Fountain. - The buses to the neighboring towns start from the left side of the Valletta Bus Terminal. Employees of the bus company sit in modern, red ticket booths and provide information on request, distribute route plans and sell tickets. The fares are moderate. Depending on the season, single trips cost 1,50 (winter timetable) or 2,00 euros (summer timetable). There is no cheaper way to get around the island. Tickets are also sold from machines or from the bus driver. The drivers do not accept banknotes with denominations of 10 euros or more. They prefer the fare counted.
Malta - Bus Terminal in Valletta
Malta - Tickets and information at the bus terminal in Valletta
People drive on the left in Malta. This rule must be observed when waiting for the bus.
Cruise ship day guests like to take a trip to Malta's former capital, Mdina. The impressive fortress city can be easily reached by bus. Lines 51 (Mtarfa), 52 (Dingli) and 53 (Rabat) go to Mdina. The journey takes 30 minutes. In Mdina the buses stop opposite the city gate.
Update March 2021
