Susan MeierMalta’s public transport network has undergone an interesting evolution over the last few years. When Arriva overhauled the system in 2011, the local reaction was mixed, to say the least. Bus drivers, in particular, were unhappy with the changes; many preferred the old owner-operator model where drivers owned their vehicles. Arriva attempted to bring structure to this chaotic legacy system by introducing a network with regular routes and proper timetables.
Unfortunately, the company wasn't fully prepared for the condition of the roads, the sheer volume of tourists visiting the islands in summer, or the scorching heat. The articulated buses imported from the UK—often referred to as "bendy buses"—became a safety hazard as they simply weren't built for such harsh conditions. They were eventually banned and removed from Malta entirely.
Initially, Arriva operated a two-tier pricing structure: one fare for residents holding a Maltese ID card, and a higher fare for everyone else, including tourists and visitors. This pricing model drew sharp criticism, particularly from the European Commission, regarding discrimination. The principle of equal treatment within the EU meant that it shouldn't be standard practice for Maltese residents to pay less than other EU citizens.
Two years later, the fares were harmonised, creating a single rate for all users. Eventually, the government bought out Arriva's contract, leading to their departure from Malta. The government then sought a new operator to manage the network, a process that took some time. Earlier this year, Autobuses de Leon (Alesa) officially took over operations.
The new operator has since expanded the fleet and aims to optimise the previous system, which had struggled to cope with the high volume of tourists. They have also introduced a new payment method designed to minimise the time passengers spend buying tickets from the driver. The goal is to speed up journey times by reducing how long buses sit idling at bus stops.
The new system functions much like London’s Oyster Card. The so-called Tallinja Card is a prepaid card that you simply tap on the reader when boarding. With the card, each trip costs 75 cents, with a monthly cap of €26. There are also concession rates for the elderly, students, and children. For those without a card, cash fares apply: a single journey costs €2.00 in summer and €1.50 in winter, while night buses cost €3.00. From July 1st, it will also be possible to purchase Tallinja Cards over the counter, which is particularly useful for tourists. These cards have their own specific tariff structures and options. You can find more information about the Tallinja Card here.
