Choo choo... trackless trains heading our way

The Malta Transport Authority (ADT) yesterday launched a bidding process for trackless trains, a form of passenger transport made up of a series of connected road vehicles, shaped like a railway train, to be used on certain routes in tourist areas.

"The trackless train shall be used to highlight main attractions and serve as a different mode of transport," the ADT's advert announcing the call for expression of interest said.

Transport Minister Jesmond Mugliett said the idea behind the introduction of this form of travel was not to solve some transport issue but rather to provide something new that caters for a demand there seems to be for this mode of transport.

Trackless trains are usually slow moving and are shaped in such a way that makes them attractive for sightseeing.

The call was generic purposefully not to limit the proposals that can be submitted. "We will decide on the details once the best proposal is chosen."

There seems to be a demand for this sort of transport in places such as Valletta, taking as an example the route between the Waterfront and the city, the minister said.

The selected operator would be given exclusive rights to provide the service. Proposals have to be submitted to the ADT by December 6.