Could Malta Be Getting A New Electric Minibus?

Oct 25 2023

Malta Public Transport is embarking on a pilot project to assess the feasibility and advantages of employing smaller electric vehicles in areas where conventional bus sizes might not be practical.

Collaborating with local transport authorities, the company aims to gather valuable insights into the adaptability and suitability of these minibuses for future transportation needs.

The initiative stems from feedback received through recent surveys conducted by Malta Public Transport and other organizations.

The new electric minibus, with a capacity of up to 25 passengers, is currently operational on various routes serving different villages across the island.

These routes include 106 (covering Ħ’Attard, Ħal-Lija, Ħal Balzan, Birkirkara, Mater Dei Hospital, and the University of Malta), 103 (connecting Bidnija, Mosta, Naxxar, Bahar iċ-Ċagħaq, and Pembroke), and 124 (operating between Marsaskala, Żabbar, Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea).

This service is suitable for localities with lower passenger demand or where larger buses face operational constraints due to size.

The minibus will also soon be introduced on routes in Gozo, broadening the scope of the pilot project’s evaluation. Malta Public Transport’s foray into smaller transport options, such as the Valletta service and on-demand services in various communities, has proven highly popular.

Plans are underway to incorporate electric minibuses on both current and potential routes, linking villages to main bus terminals and fortifying transport connections. This complements the recent surge in passenger numbers, which peaked at 6.1 million in August 2023.

Additionally, the electric minibus is being assessed for suitability in “on-demand” transport services, enhancing the flexibility and convenience of public transport.

This initiative follows Malta Public Transport’s substantial €20 million investment in electrifying the public transport system, underscoring their dedication to sustainability and eco-conscious transport in Malta.

#MaltaDaily

14.3% of New Students In Malta In 2021/22 Year Were Of Foreign Citizenship

Oct 25 2023

In the 2021-2022 academic year, total student enrolment in pre-primary, primary, and secondary education reached 58,377, showing a slight increase of 0.6% from the previous year. Among these students, 51.9% were male, with a minor 0.1% rise in female enrolment compared to the prior academic year.

Age-wise, 46.1% of students fell between 5 to 10 years, while 37.3% were in the 11-15 year bracket. State-run schools accounted for 58.9% of total enrollments, followed by church schools at 27.4%, and independent schools at 13.7%.

Mandatory education saw 49,033 students, with 55.1% in primary and 44.9% in secondary schools. State-run schools attracted over half of the enrollments at each level. Average class sizes varied, with primary classes having 17.2 students and secondary classes having 18.7. State schools had the smallest class sizes, while church schools had the highest, notably in ‘Year 6’ with 23.8 students per class.

In terms of districts, the Northern Harbour hosted the largest share of school levels (33.7%), closely followed by the Southern Harbour (18.9%). A significant majority of students attended schools in the Northern Harbour (37.5%), followed by the Southern Harbour (17.1%).

Regarding nationality, 85.7% of students were Maltese, while 14.3% were foreign citizens. Among these, 60% were non-EU nationals. The largest groups of foreign students were Italian (13.4%), British (8.0%), Syrian (7.2%), Serbian (6.3%), and Libyan (6.0%). Italian was the most popular foreign language studied at secondary level (54.4%), followed by French (25.3%).

#MaltaDaily

Accident Victim Airlifted To Mater Dei: At Risk Of Dying

Oct 25 2023

Today, at around 0730hrs, police were informed that their assistance was needed in Triq ir-Repubblika, Rabat, Gozo.

Police convened immediately on site and preliminary investigations showed that a 63 year old resident of Żebbuġ, Gozo had been hit by a Citroen Berlingo driven by a 31 year old man resident of Rabat, Gozo.

The 63 year old man was given preliminary aid and was taken to Gozo General Hospital, where he was certified as having suffered serious injuries. He was taken to Mater Dei Hospital with a helicopter for further medical assistance.

An inquiry has been opened and investigations are ongoing.

#MaltaDaily

6 To Be Charged With Involuntary Homicide Of Carmelo Fino

Oct 25 2023

Four security officers, a caregiver, and a nurse are set to face charges in court for the involuntary homicide of Carmelo Fino, who went missing from St Vincent de Paul home last year.

The accused employees, who were summoned to appear in court in July 2024, will be charged with both involuntary homicide and causing harm to Fino.

After the elderly resident’s disappearance, they were put on suspension with half pay as per the instructions of the Public Service Commission. Fino, aged 83, had left the care home during the night on June 28, 2022, and tragically, he was discovered deceased a few weeks later.

CCTV footage revealed his movements towards the main gate and the guard room, ultimately exiting. Hospital regulations mandate the closure of the main gate between 11 pm and 7 am, but the footage indicated that it was left open for most of that night.

The six individuals facing charges were suspended following an inquiry that found they allegedly failed to adhere to established procedures. Nurse Rhys Xuereb requested a fresh investigation into the case and was subsequently reinstated in a different capacity.

Retired judge Geoffrey Valenzia’s inquiry determined that the security officers left the main gate unattended and open, while the caregivers and nurse failed to provide a handover confirming routine checks on residents throughout the night.

Their negligence in promptly reporting the disappearance led to confusion and allowed Fino to wander far from the facility. The inquiry emphasized that this incident occurred due to the neglect of fundamental practices in the care of vulnerable and elderly individuals.

#MaltaDaily