Taking the Bus in Malta
For all of the complaints that people have about the Malta Public Transit system, it is relatively easy to navigate as long as you know where you want to go, what direction you are traveling and have access to the website before you leave or during your travels.
Many people complain about the inconvenience of the buses. They are often late, they do not run long enough into the evening, and riders have to stand at the bus stop to wait for them. However, in a country with the population density of Malta and city plans that were made for defense and not for cars, the buses provide an invaluable service.
People who take the bus are helping to reduce overall traffic. They are also not subject to the stresses of trying to find a parking space and dealing with other drivers on the road. For tourists from countries that drive on the right side of the road, the buses offer safe transportation without having to learn to shift driving perception to the left side.
Like many public transportation systems, buses are designated by number and final destination. At the bus stop, only the major stop are outlined. Anyone headed to a smaller stop will need to find out the route of the bus beforehand to ensure the bus actually goes there.
Once a rider knows which bus he or she is taking and from which bus stop, it is his or her responsibility to flag the bus down. Sticking an arm straight out from the body and making a little waving motion should be enough to let the driver know that the rider wants to take that particular bus.
Those taking the bus will be pleased to know that most buses have a leaderboard that shows the next stop. This makes it easier to know when to get out. Again, the rider will need to signal the bus driver that he or she wants to get out. Buses have buttons that alert the driver to the passenger’s wish to get off the bus.
The best part about the transportation system is that the bus is driven by an actual person. That means that you can ask the driver if the bus is going where you want to go. Oftentimes, the driver will even alert you to the stop that you need to exit at. There are stories of surly drivers; just be sure to greet the driver first and then ask your question.
If everyone in Malta gave up their cars and took the buses, the traffic problems would be all but solved. That would mean that routes would have to expand, but by doing so with electric buses, Malta could also help get rid of some of the pollution that hangs around the island during those times when the air isn’t clearing out.
The bus provider in Malta will be changing at some point in 2015 according to rumors. It is unclear how this change will affect the public transportation system.
Many people complain about the inconvenience of the buses. They are often late, they do not run long enough into the evening, and riders have to stand at the bus stop to wait for them. However, in a country with the population density of Malta and city plans that were made for defense and not for cars, the buses provide an invaluable service.
People who take the bus are helping to reduce overall traffic. They are also not subject to the stresses of trying to find a parking space and dealing with other drivers on the road. For tourists from countries that drive on the right side of the road, the buses offer safe transportation without having to learn to shift driving perception to the left side.
Like many public transportation systems, buses are designated by number and final destination. At the bus stop, only the major stop are outlined. Anyone headed to a smaller stop will need to find out the route of the bus beforehand to ensure the bus actually goes there.
Once a rider knows which bus he or she is taking and from which bus stop, it is his or her responsibility to flag the bus down. Sticking an arm straight out from the body and making a little waving motion should be enough to let the driver know that the rider wants to take that particular bus.
Those taking the bus will be pleased to know that most buses have a leaderboard that shows the next stop. This makes it easier to know when to get out. Again, the rider will need to signal the bus driver that he or she wants to get out. Buses have buttons that alert the driver to the passenger’s wish to get off the bus.
The best part about the transportation system is that the bus is driven by an actual person. That means that you can ask the driver if the bus is going where you want to go. Oftentimes, the driver will even alert you to the stop that you need to exit at. There are stories of surly drivers; just be sure to greet the driver first and then ask your question.
If everyone in Malta gave up their cars and took the buses, the traffic problems would be all but solved. That would mean that routes would have to expand, but by doing so with electric buses, Malta could also help get rid of some of the pollution that hangs around the island during those times when the air isn’t clearing out.
The bus provider in Malta will be changing at some point in 2015 according to rumors. It is unclear how this change will affect the public transportation system.