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Maltese buses are perhaps one of the first few things that are raved about by visitors when they go home again from their Malta holidays. So much so that buses in Malta have become a bit of an “unofficial” national symbol.
Over the years, there have been many efforts to modernize the Maltese public transport system. To be fair, there have been some huge improvements and buses in Malta and Gozo are still incredibly cheap and overall very efficient.
Some of the “newer” models date from the 70s. Most are traditional British makes such as Leyland, Bedford and AEC. However, the traditional Malta bus that gets all the attention often dates back to the 1950s or 1960s! You will either love them or hate them!
If you’re after a comfortable ride, forget it if you’re on one of these old buses. The seats are hard, there’s no A/C and wait for it … they don’t have a door! On the other hand, if you like “adventure” and take the ride in a light-hearted way, you will enjoy yourself tremendously :)
Nowadays, Malta buses are painted light orange with a darker orange stripe at the side. You can distinguish the bus route from the route number that is clearly shown on the front behind the windscreen.
Buses are privately owned. The interior of the cab can be a “spectacle” in itself and you can usually see all types of pictures and stickers in here, ranging from “Jesus loves me” to “I love Manchester United” and even “Beware of the driver” :)
Up until a few years ago, cab interiors used to be littered with religious (Catholic) figurines and photos. Something you would kind of expect from a country that prides itself in being deeply religious. The local authorities have since put a damper on such “decorations” and so such things are kept to the bare minimum these days.
The Malta bus has become so popular over the years that you can find countless souveniers depicting traditional Maltese buses, from postcards, books to tiny model buses.
If you want to learn more about the story behind buses in Malta, visit the website of the Malta Transport Authority.
Nowadays the Malta bus fleet consists of modern coaches, not so new buses and a few remaining “dinosaur” buses that date back to Pre-World War II.
No doubt that car enthusiasts will find the old traditional buses fascinating! And who wouldn’t when you think that these buses are some 60 years old but still in good working order!
Always the subject of controversy, the Malta bus has survived decades of protests from the locals and words of adoration and fascination from foreign visitors to the islands.
In late 2009, the government announced that it was planning a major revamp in the public transport system. The revamp includes old Maltese buses too so when the new plan comes to fruition, we may very well see the end of the old and lovable traditional Malta bus.
Only time will tell what will happen to the old Maltese bus. Will it be on display at some special transport museum? Or will it finally be taking a well deserved break? :)
If you’re visiting Malta anytime soon, make sure to look out for these old Maltese buses, because who knows … if you decide to come back, they might not be here anymore!
For more info on public transport in Malta, such as bus routes, schedules and fees, visit the website of the Malta Transport Authority.
If you’re thinking of visiting Gozo and would like to get more info on Gozo buses, visit the website of the Ministry for Gozo.
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