Real-Time Bus Tracking

Home > Real-Time

Enhancing the Commuting Experience with Real-Time Bus Tracking

As the national bus operator responsible for all public transport services across the Maltese islands, Malta Public Transport is committed to enhancing the passenger experience. One of the latest features in this effort is the real-time bus tracking feature available in the tallinja app, which allows users to monitor the exact location of their bus.

Passengers can access real-time bus information in two ways:

Download and use the tallinja app to not only access live updates but also explore the “Track the Bus” feature for a detailed view of the bus’s journey to its stop.

Scan the QR code displayed on the bus stop timesheet for instant updates.

Send an SMS to 5061 1010 with the bus stop code.

Download and use the tallinja app

Follow these simple steps:

Download the tallinja app.
Open the app and accept location-sharing.
Choose the bus stop from the map or tap the bus icon on the home page to choose a bus stop.
Monitor the bus location for your preferred route by switching the label “Show buses on the map in real-time.”

Scan QR Code

Follow these simple steps:

Scan the QR Code: Use your smartphone’s camera or a QR code scanning app to scan the code displayed on the bus stop timesheet.
Get Real-Time Updates: If you have the tallinja app installed, it will open directly to the real-time page for that specific bus stop. If you don’t have the app, your phone’s browser will open a webpage displaying the same real-time information for the stop.

Check Bus Arrival Times via SMS

Follow these simple steps when without tallinja app or internet:

Send an SMS to 5061 1010.
In the message, type the bus stop code (you will find this on the bus stop signage).
You will receive a reply with a list of bus routes that serve that stop and estimated arrival times for each route.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the frequency of bus location updates?

The bus transmits its location approximately every 5 seconds via GPS. However, poor cellular network coverage may affect the update frequency.

What happens if the app fails to receive the latest bus location?

If the app doesn’t receive the latest GPS location within 1 minute, the bus icon will grey out, and a notification will be displayed.

Will the bus location feature work with mobile data connectivity issues?

If your mobile device faces data connectivity issues, the accuracy and frequency of updates may be impacted. For best performance, use 5G data if available.

Are there any limitations on bus visibility in the app?

Bus visibility may be affected if a route is diverted or altered unexpectedly. Buses will not be visible at affected stops but will remain visible at unaffected ones.

Will using the bus location feature drain my mobile battery?

The feature is designed to minimise battery consumption, but if your battery is low, it’s advised to turn off the real-time tracking. This will limit frequent updates but help conserve battery life.

How do I use the QR code on the bus stop timesheet to access real-time bus updates?

Scan the QR Code using your phone’s camera or QR scanner. If you have the Tallinja App, it will open to the real-time page for that stop. If you don’t, your browser will display the real-time information.

How accurate is the estimated arrival time provided by the app?

The estimated arrival time is based on real-time data, considering the bus’s speed and other parameters. However, factors like traffic and delays can affect its accuracy.

Can I track multiple buses at the same time?

Yes, you can track multiple buses by selecting different bus stops or routes on the map. Each bus will be represented by a separate icon.

Is real-time bus tracking available for all bus routes?

Yes, this feature is available for all bus routes serviced by our transportation network.

Can I use real-time bus tracking offline?

No, you need an active internet connection to receive real-time bus location data. Offline use is not supported.

How can I provide feedback or report issues with the real-time bus tracking feature?

You can submit feedback through the app’s built-in feedback form or contact Tallinja customer support for assistance.

Travel Information and Services

Journey Planner

Plan your journey by exploring the best travel routes and estimated travel times from your starting point to your desired destination.

Routes and Timetables

Access detailed schedules and bus route information around Malta and Gozo.

Terminals

Access this section to find out how to navigate the terminals around Malta and Gozo.