Silver T Service Hours Extended To improve Transport Access For Older Persons

The operating hours of the Silver T service have been extended to provide older persons with greater flexibility and improved access to free transport, allowing them to carry out their daily errands within the community with greater independence.

The extension was announced during a press conference addressed by Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing Deo Debattista, in the presence of Permanent Secretary Renzo Degabriele, Active Ageing and Community Care Chief Executive Steve Agius and Silver T service representative Yaser Teebi.

The measure forms part of a commitment included in the Int Malta manifesto and is being implemented during the first 100 days of this Government. It aims to further strengthen support for active, independent and dignified ageing by ensuring that older persons have access to services that respond to their needs.

Silver T provides free transport for people over the age of 60 who require assistance to complete errands in their communities. Through the service, users can travel to locations including banks, markets, supermarkets, health centres and Local Councils without having to rely continuously on relatives or friends.

The service is now available from Monday to Friday between 7.00am and 4.30pm, extending its previous operating hours, which ended at 2.00pm. It is also available on Saturday mornings, offering users additional flexibility when planning appointments and errands.

More than 33,000 journeys were completed through Silver T between the start of the year and the end of June, with around 1,000 people making use of the service every month. Since its introduction in 2019, Silver T has expanded and is now available across Malta and Gozo.

Parliamentary Secretary Deo Debattista said the extension reflects a wider policy approach focused on independence, dignity and participation among older persons. He said services must adapt to the needs of older people and provide practical support that improves their daily lives.

Permanent Secretary Renzo Degabriele said the initiative demonstrates continued investment in community services that are more accessible, flexible and centred around individuals, while Steve Agius explained that the longer operating hours will allow the service to respond more effectively to users’ needs.

Bookings for Silver T must be made at least three days before the required transport date. Further information is available through Active Ageing and Community Care.

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Photo Source: DOI - Alan Saliba