Malta’s public transport use increases as occasional riders go regular

Malta’s public transport system continues to gain traction among residents, as a growing number of occasional users shift to daily commuting by bus.

This trend is detailed in a new large-scale mobility study conducted by research firm 20/20 Strategy on behalf of Malta Public Transport.

According to the study, residents in Malta aged 16 and over make an estimated 1.36 million trips each day, averaging 2.8 trips per person across all modes of transport. These include journeys for work, shopping, leisure, and social visits – mirroring transport patterns seen across other European countries.

Public transport’s share of these daily trips has seen a marked increase. In 2025, buses accounted for 12.8 per cent of all trips, up from 10.8 per cent in 2023. The uptick has been driven by both an increase in the number of users and a rise in daily frequency of usage, particularly among those aged 16 to 45.

Shifting commuter habits

The survey, carried out in March 2025 among nearly 3,000 residents, reveals that 24 per cent of the population now rides a bus every day – a significant rise over the past year. Meanwhile, 57 per cent of residents used a bus at least once in the last 12 months, suggesting widespread adoption of public transport as a viable travel option.

Notably, the proportion of respondents identifying the bus as their main mode of transport inched up to 26 per cent in 2025, compared to 25 per cent in 2024. In contrast, private car usage as a primary mode dipped slightly, from 55 per cent to 53 per cent.

Why more people are choosing buses

Several factors have been attributed to this growing reliance on public buses. Chief among them is the Free Public Transport for Residents initiative, launched in October 2022, which offers fare-free travel to Tallinja card holders. This initiative, coupled with increased service frequencies on busy routes, ongoing investment in fleet modernisation, and population growth, has bolstered public transport’s appeal.

Punctuality, safety, availability, journey time and ease of use were identified as the top five factors influencing people’s choice of transport mode. Buses were most commonly used for essential journeys, including commuting to work and running errands.

Appetite for rapid transit

The study also highlighted strong public interest in faster, more efficient transport options. Around 68 per cent of respondents said they would be willing to use a rapid transit system if it meant reaching their destination more quickly.

This finding underscores a growing appetite for improved infrastructure and a more connected network, particularly as daily transport demand continues to rise.

As bus usage rises and the number of regular commuters continues to grow, the findings suggest Malta’s public transport system is beginning to play a stronger role in shaping sustainable and efficient travel across the island.