Autonomous Bus
Malta’s First Autonomous Bus
Smart, Safe, Sustainable
Welcome to Malta’s autonomous mobility initiative, part of the metaCCAZE project, where innovation meets real-world transport needs in a uniquely compact island setting.
Malta is an island nation in the central Mediterranean with a population of around 560,000, made up of the main island of Malta and the sister islands of Gozo and Comino. Gozo will serve as the primary focus for the pilot phase of this autonomous bus project. While public transport usage has grown in recent years, private car use still plays a dominant role in everyday mobility. At the same time, Malta is steadily moving towards cleaner transport, supported by a gradual shift towards alternative-fuel vehicles and increasing national momentum around decarbonisation.
The country’s small scale, short distances and closely connected communities create a strong environment for testing and refining new mobility solutions. This makes Gozo and Malta an ideal setting to pilot autonomous, low-emission and more integrated transport services that can improve accessibility, enhance the passenger experience and support long-term sustainability goals.
Pilot Project
Malta’s first autonomous bus pilot project was launched in 2026 in the locality of San Lawrenz, Gozo, where testing of the new technology is currently underway. Residents and visitors are being given the opportunity to experience autonomous mobility aimed at making transport safer, smarter and more sustainable.
The autonomous bus is a vehicle that can drive itself using advanced technology such as sensors, cameras, GPS and artificial intelligence to understand its surroundings and move safely without needing a driver to control it all the time. It is designed to follow routes and stop for passengers automatically, while still being monitored for safety. During this pilot phase, a trained operator will be present onboard the vehicle at all times.
Find & Ride the Autonomous Bus!
| Route | Bus Stops | Operating Time |
| 333 | Ċiangura (San Lawrenz) stop 1993 to Dbieġi (Il-Wilġa) stop 1915 | Monday to Saturday (excluding Public Holidays) 09:30 – 12:45 / 14:00 – 16:45 Frequency – every 15 minutes |
Project Partners
Malta Public Transport oversees the operational aspect of the pilot project, including the day-to-day running of the autonomous bus service, route management, passenger operations and on-the-ground coordination.
The Ministry for Sustainable Mobility, in collaboration with Transport Malta is responsible for the legal and regulatory framework required for the implementation of the pilot project, while ensuring that all operations meet the necessary safety and transport standards.
University of Malta will contribute through studies and research related to autonomous mobility, including data analysis, technological assessment and the evaluation of the project’s impact on transport and sustainability.
The pilot forms part of metaCCAZE, a Horizon Europe-funded initiative focused on advancing smart, sustainable and autonomous mobility solutions across European cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
The autonomous bus is a 100% electric shuttle that navigates using an advanced suite of built-in technology. It combines LiDAR (3D laser-mapping), high-definition cameras, and GPS to continuously scan its surroundings in 360 degrees.
The onboard computer processes this data in real-time to detect roads, lanes, signs, pedestrians, and other vehicles, ensuring it follows its pre-approved route precisely.
Yes, it is highly safe. The trial operates under a strict regulatory and safety framework approved by Transport Malta.
– Instant Detection: The vehicle’s sensors look in all directions simultaneously, catching hazards much faster than human reaction time.
– Onboard Safety Operator: For complete peace of mind, a trained safety operator is stationed on board at all times during the pilot phase. They monitor the ride and can instantly take manual control of the steering wheel and brakes if required.
– Obstacles: If a vehicle cuts in front, or a pedestrian steps onto the path, the shuttle automatically slows down or comes to a complete, controlled stop.
– Technical Faults: The bus features redundant “fail-safe” systems. If a sensor or technical asset encounters an error, the shuttle is programmed to safely come to a halt automatically, and the onboard safety operator takes immediate control.
Because this is a controlled pilot project designed to prioritize passenger safety and seamless integration into local traffic, the shuttle operates at low, cautious speeds—typically averaging between 15 km/h and 20 km/h.
Simply wait! The shuttle is programmed to stop automatically at designated stops along its fixed route when passengers are present.
The ride is completely free! You don’t need to pay to try out the autonomous shuttle. We just ask that you tap your Tallinja or non-personalized card when you hop on. Don’t worry—it won’t charge your card or take any credit; it simply helps us count passenger numbers and gather anonymous statistics for our project studies.
– Traffic: The vehicle handles real-world traffic smoothly, slowing down or stopping dynamically based on vehicle flow.
– Weather: Heavy torrential downpours or severe visibility issues can occasionally impact autonomous sensors. If weather conditions exceed the vehicle’s safe operating thresholds, the service may temporarily pause. Safety will always be our priority.
Your primary point of contact is the onboard safety operator, who is right there with you in the cabin to answer questions or assist in an emergency. For broader inquiries, feedback, or support, you can contact the Malta Public Transport customer service team.
Yes. The electric shuttle is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring low-floor access and a built-in ramp. The onboard operator will happily assist with deploying the ramp and ensuring wheelchair users or pushchairs are safely secured in the designated interior space before the journey begins.
The shuttle has a compact, optimized interior layout. While small personal items, backpacks, and hand luggage are perfectly fine, we prefer not to carry large or bulky luggage on board to ensure everyone has enough space. If you’re traveling with heavy bags, the standard bus route along this line is much better suited for you and will get you to your destination comfortably!
The pilot operates under full commercial insurance and a strict liability framework managed by Malta Public Transport, in compliance with Transport Malta regulations. Because a certified safety operator is monitoring the vehicle at all times, responsibilities are clearly defined, managed, and backed exactly like our standard fleet.
We are definitely working on this! We are currently fine-tuning the live tracking features for the pilot. We expect it will be available on the live map very soon, so keep an eye out for app updates!
Yes. Just like every bus in our public transport network, the autonomous shuttle is fully equipped with a standard first-aid kit and emergency safety equipment.
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