VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta is preparing to trial autonomous buses under a new legislative framework prioritising safety, controlled testing and evidence gathering. The initiative is being introduced by Transport Malta as part of an EU-funded pilot project. It involves collaboration between the University of Malta and Malta Public Transport, the national operator. Testing is expected to take place in both Malta and Gozo on pre-approved routes. In Malta, one route will connect Smart City and the Esplora science centre in Kalkara. In Gozo, trials will run between San Lawrenz and the Ta’ Dbieġi Crafts Village. The project is scheduled to continue until 2027.
Despite the term “autonomous”, the buses will not operate without human oversight. Each vehicle will carry a qualified driver at all times, ready to take control instantly if required. Existing legislation currently requires a driver to maintain full control of any vehicle, limiting real-world testing. The new framework creates what officials describe as a tightly controlled legal “sandbox” for experimentation. Only approved operators will be permitted to conduct trials under strict authorisation. Each route will require specific approval, and all trials will be time-limited. The initiative aims to support EU smart mobility goals while building local technical expertise. Authorities say the focus is on collecting real-world data before any long-term policy decisions are made. Officials emphasise that the project is not a precursor to immediate driverless public transport. Instead, it is intended as a low-risk assessment of how autonomous systems perform in Malta’s road conditions.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
