Malta & Gozo To Reportedly Trial Driverless Buses

According to a report by MaltaToday, Malta is set to trial driverless buses under a new legislative framework.

According to the report, the regulations are proposed by Transport Malta and would allow small autonomous buses to operate on pre-approved routes as part of an EU funded pilot project.

‘The initiative involves collaboration between the University of Malta and Malta Public Transport, the public transport operator.’

Sources informed MaltaToday that the initiative will take place in both Malta and Gozo, with two routes having been identified.

The locations are a connection between Smart City and Esplora in Kalkara and one from the village of San Lorenz to Ta’ Dbieġi Crafts Village in Gozo.

The project is set to run until 2027.

According to the report, the buses will not be completely driverless. Each bus will be carrying a qualified driver at all times who can take control instantly if need be.

‘Under the new rules, the use of autonomous vehicles will be restricted exclusively to testing. Only approved operators will be permitted to run trials, with authorisation required for each specific route. The legislation will also impose time limits on the trials and mandate the presence of a licensed driver onboard every vehicle.’

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