Malta Public Transport Announces 25 New Tallinja Buses

Oct 12 2024

Malta Public Transport has announced the addition of 25 new buses to its fleet, bringing the total number of scheduled public transport vehicles to 510.

This initiative aims to enhance public transport services and provide a more comfortable experience for passengers across Malta.

The new buses will enable an increase in scheduled trips throughout the route network, improving overall service efficiency. Designed for routes with limited stops, such as those serving the airport and synchronised with the Gozo ferry, these buses will ensure smoother and more reliable connections. Further details on route enhancements and new connections will be shared soon.

Passenger comfort is a key focus of these new buses, which feature increased seating capacity, two doors for efficient boarding and alighting, and full accessibility for wheelchair users. Additionally, all buses will provide free Wi-Fi, USB charging points, and dedicated storage for small hand luggage, alongside a luggage compartment for larger items. Equipped with Euro VI engines, these vehicles represent the cleanest diesel technology available.

Felipe Cosmen, Chairman of Malta Public Transport, expressed the company’s commitment to improving customer experience, noting that 85 buses have been added to the fleet in the past year alone.

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Young Siblings Raise €700 for Puttinu by Donating Their Birthday Gifts

Oct 12 2024

In a heartwarming display of generosity, local charity Puttinu Cares have revealed that young siblings Giulia and Nicholas Xerri made their birthdays truly special this year by choosing to give back to those in need.

Instead of asking for the usual presents, six-year-old Giulia and her four-year-old brother Nicholas asked family and friends to contribute money towards a cause close to their hearts—Puttinu Cares, the Maltese charity that supports families facing cancer.

Their inspiring act of kindness, coupled with the generosity of their loved ones, resulted in a remarkable €700 donation to Puttinu. This noble gesture by the young siblings not only demonstrates their selflessness but also sets a powerful example of compassion and giving at such a young age.

Well done to Giulia and Nicholas for their kind-hearted initiative, showing that no one is too young to make a positive difference in the world.

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Tourist Jailed After Leaving Cocaine and Ecstasy Behind in Hotel Room

Oct 12 2024

A tourist who left 41 sachets of cocaine and ecstasy pills in his hotel room after checking out has been jailed following his admission that the drugs were his.

The drugs were discovered by a cleaner at the St Paul’s Bay hotel, who found them inside an oven in the room after three guests had checked out. The substances included 41 sachets of cocaine, a brownish substance, and four ecstasy pills.

Later that day, around 8:30 pm, one of the former guests, 24-year-old British national Kane Dylan Bennington, contacted the hotel to report that he had forgotten his passport. Police were alerted, and Bennington, who is self-employed, was promptly arrested upon his return to the hotel.

He was subsequently arraigned and charged with possessing cocaine and ecstasy in circumstances suggesting the drugs were not solely for personal use. After consulting his legal aid lawyer, he pled guilty to the charges.

During the hearing, magistrate Noel Bartolo cautioned the defendant about the legal consequences of his guilty plea, including the possibility of imprisonment, and provided an opportunity to reconsider. However, Bennington confirmed his admission by raising his right hand and repeating, “I’m guilty.”

After hearing submissions, the court found Bennington guilty and sentenced him to an effective 18-month jail term, a sentence agreed upon by both the defense and prosecution. Additionally, the court issued a treatment order for the same duration, following the defense lawyer’s statement that Bennington was struggling with drug addiction.

Inspectors Francesco Mizzi and John Leigh Howard led the prosecution, while lawyer Ilona Schembri served as the legal aid attorney.

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Labour Lead By 12,000 Votes In Recent Vince Marmarà Survey

Oct 12 2024

A recent survey conducted by statistician and professor Vince Marmarà reveals that if a general election were held today, the Labour Party would secure a fourth consecutive victory, albeit with a significantly reduced margin of 12,000 votes.

Despite the party’s efforts to rejuvenate itself following underwhelming results in the recent MEP and Local Council elections, the poll indicates that their position remains relatively unchanged compared to previous wins by 8,000 and 20,000 votes.

The survey, along with others, highlights growing voter apathy toward the two main political parties, with 21.6% of respondents expressing support for ADPD, other alternatives, or remaining undecided.

The findings also suggest that under the current conditions, neither party would achieve an absolute majority, exceeding 50% of the vote.

This outcome contrasts sharply with a MaltaToday poll from two weeks earlier, which projected a 12,000-vote victory for the Nationalist Party.

In Marmarà’s survey ,nearly 40% of voters expressed a lack of trust in either Robert Abela or Bernard Grech as their preferred prime minister. Among them, 15% said they trust neither leader, 8% were unsure, and almost 17% indicated trust in other leaders.

Despite this, Abela remains significantly more trusted than Grech, with 36% of voters expressing confidence in him compared to Grech’s 24%, giving Abela a 12-point advantage.

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