Picture this: 1860s Malta. The sun beats down on the cobblestone streets of Valletta. A horse-drawn carriage, known as a ‘dghajsa’, clip-clops along Republic Street, kicking up dust in its wake. This was the dawn of public transport in Malta, a far cry from the buses and ferries that zip around our islands today. Let’s look the fascinating evolution of Maltese public transport over the past 160 years.

Before the introduction of motorised vehicles, Maltese relied on horse-drawn carriages and sailing ferries for transport. The ‘dghajsa’ was the primary mode of transport in the 19th century, connecting towns and villages. Meanwhile, traditional ‘dghajjes’ ferried passengers and goods across the Grand Harbour and to the Three Cities.

In 1883, the first steam-powered ferry, the ‘SS Melita’, was introduced, revolutionising sea transport. It could carry 1,200 passengers and 100 horses, significantly increasing capacity and speed.

In 1905, the first motorised bus service was launched by the British Army in Malta. It wasn’t until 1929 that the first civilian bus service, operated by the Malta Bus Company, began running. These early buses were a mix of British and Italian makes, including AEC, Leyland, and Fiat.

Post-World War II, the Malta Bus Company expanded its services, connecting rural areas to urban centres. By the 1960s, Malta’s bus network was extensive, with routes reaching every corner of the islands.

In the late 1990s, the Maltese government privatised public transport. This led to the formation of Arriva Malta, which operated the bus network until 2011. During this period, significant investments were made in modernising the fleet, with newer, low-floor buses introduced.

In 2011, the government re-nationalised public transport, leading to the creation of Malta Public Transport. Today, the fleet consists of over 300 buses, including electric and hybrid models. The introduction of the Tallinja card in 2014 simplified fare collection, and the recent launch of the Tallinja app has made planning journeys easier than ever.

The story of Maltese public transport is one of adaptation and innovation. From horse-drawn carriages to electric buses, our public transport has evolved to meet the needs of a growing, changing population. As we look to the future, with plans for a new ferry service and further electrification of the bus fleet, it’s an exciting time for Maltese public transport.