Malta’s reported plan to charge non-EU bus users sparks criticism

Malta’s government is expected to introduce public transport charges for third-country nationals without long-term residency from 2027, according to Times of Malta. The proposal is expected to feature in the Budget being presented on Monday, 26 October.

Different categories of Tallinja cards are available. Malta is reportedly considering ending free public transport for non-EU residents without long-term residency from 2027. Photo: Screenshot from Transport Malta’s official website.

Citing unnamed sources, the newspaper reports that affected passengers would pay approximately €33 a month for access to buses and ferries. Maltese and EU nationals, non-EU nationals with long-term residency, and British residents covered by the pre-Brexit agreement would retain free travel.

The proposal would narrow a scheme introduced on 1 October 2022, which extended free public transport to citizens and residents holding a personalised Tallinja card. The government’s official information page continues to describe that eligibility.

Sources quoted by Times of Malta say the change is intended to reduce government spending on transport subsidies. The newspaper reports that tens of thousands of passengers could be affected.

The plans have prompted criticism over unequal treatment of workers. In reactions reported by Times of Malta, ADPD leader Sandra Gauci and former Nationalist MP Albert Buttigieg condemned the proposed distinction. Buttigieg questioned why non-EU workers who pay taxes and social security contributions should receive different treatment. Former trade unionist Jeremy J Camilleri warned that additional commuting costs would increase pressure on workers already in precarious circumstances.

Economist and former Malta Chamber president Marisa Xuereb also warned that presenting benefits along nationality lines could damage social cohesion. She argued that improving service frequency and journey times should be central to efforts to attract passengers.

The reports reviewed do not establish an exact implementation date or clarify how the proposal would apply to refugees, asylum seekers, children or students. Those details, alongside the final charge and exemptions, remain to be confirmed.