More Than 2,400 Y-Plate Operators Now Licensed In Malta

The Y-Plate sector has continued to expand steadily during 2026, with more than 170 new operators joining the industry between February and May. Around 100 of these new operators are Maltese, reflecting growing local interest in the sector.

Latest figures show that the total number of licensed Y-Plate operators has increased from around 2,050 operators during the same period last year to more than 2,400 operators this year, representing a 15.2% increase.

The rise in operator numbers comes alongside a significant increase in demand for the service, with Y-Plate trips rising by more than two million between February & May 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.

Commenting on the latest figures, Minister for Sustainable Mobility Chris Bonett said the continued growth demonstrates that people are increasingly choosing alternative modes of transport.

"When people are given a good alternative, they no longer depend on their own car. Yes, Y-Plate is also a good alternative," the Minister said.

The Minister noted that the strong demand confirms that Maltese people are increasingly looking for alternative transport services that offer convenience and flexibility.

He added that while others had proposed measures such as increasing licences and pursuing initiatives that had proved less popular, the Labour Government has consistently focused on encouraging behavioural change through incentives rather than what he described as "scaremongering."

The expansion of the Y-Plate sector, he said, is another example of the government's broader Malta in Motion strategy, which aims to provide people with more attractive transport alternatives while reducing reliance on private vehicles.

#MaltaDaily