COVID-19 PROTECTIVE MEASURES ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT
As part of its commitment to promote a healthy and safe public transport service, Malta Public Transport has implemented several precautionary measures, following consultation and agreement with the authorities, in view of the COVID-19 situation in Malta.
Public transport is an essential service in our community. Bus drivers, mechanics, electricians, inspectors, and many others are working very hard to ensure that people can travel safely around Malta and Gozo. Therefore, everyone’s cooperation is required, and people are kindly requested not to travel if they are feeling sick, and to follow quarantine procedures as indicated by the authorities.
The measures implemented by Malta Public Transport in accordance with its contingency plan are as follows:
1. Standing passengers are only allowed as indicated by signage on the bus.
2. Buses are cleaned and fumigated every night. The cleaning of buses has been intensified using hospital-grade chemicals instead of regular detergents. Furthermore, the company has implemented an additional cleaning schedule of the buses during the day, especially in the driver cabin area.
3. The company has provided personal hand sanitizer bottles to all employees that have direct contact with the public, including bus drivers, and has installed wall-mounted hand sanitizers in all its facilities. It is recommended that bus passengers carry their own personal hand sanitizer to be used before and after their trip.
4. There is a “No Change” policy on the bus so passengers are required to provide the exact fare. To this end, we are currently testing out our new contactless equipment with the aim to eliminate cash from our buses.
5. Face masks need to be worn whilst passengers are waiting for the bus to arrive and whilst onboard the bus. Drivers need to wear a face mask while driving.
6. Protective screens have been installed on all buses to separate the driver's cabin area from the rest of the bus, in order to reduce contact and minimise the risk of transmission.