€200,000 Investment Boosts Mobility For Older Adults With Four New Electric Vans

Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing, Malcolm Paul Agius Galea, has inaugurated four new electric vans that will be used for the Silver-T service, a free transport service dedicated to older adults in the community.

This investment, exceeding €200,000, reflects the ongoing commitment of Active Ageing and Community Care (AACC) to accessible, sustainable, and safe mobility.

The Silver-T service makes daily life easier for older adults by providing transport to essential locations such as Active Ageing Centres, medical appointments, local councils, banks, and places of worship. Operating since 2019, the service gives seniors independent mobility without relying on family members or friends.

In 2024, Silver-T completed a total of 57,527 journeys, benefiting 2,282 older adults. By August this year, more than 44,800 journeys had been completed, assisting 2,238 individuals. This demonstrates a steadily increasing demand, making the new vans crucial to expanding capacity and reaching more users across Malta and Gozo.

During the inauguration, Dr Agius Galea emphasised, “This investment is not only a step towards modern, comfortable transport for our older adults, but also a tangible contribution to our national vision of sustainability and everyone’s right to dignified, safe mobility. We will continue to explore ways to improve this service to reach more seniors and make a difference in their daily lives.”

Present at the event were Permanent Secretary Renzo Degabriele and AACC CEO Steve Agius, who highlighted the importance of mobility in helping older adults remain active and independent within the community.

The new vehicles are fully electric, in line with the national decarbonisation strategy and the commitment to a cleaner environment. They reduce emissions, contribute to cleaner air in communities, and operate quietly, making them ideal for residential areas.

The Silver-T service operates from Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Older adults wishing to use the service can book at least three days in advance by calling 2278 8900.

#MaltaDaily