Trackless trains for tourist areas from January

A service designed to transport passengers in trackless trains in tourist areas is expected to start on January 1.

The tendering process closes at noon on September 28 and the contract is expected to be finalised and signed by the end of October, the Roads and Urban Development Ministry said.

The call for tenders is for the provisions of a trackless trains service in St Paul's Bay, Bugibba, Qawra, Rabat, Mtarfa and the perimeter roads of Mdina.

The government intends to introduce the service in other localities.

This type of transport service operates through an electrically-powered vehicle that draws a number of cabins without rails.

Trackless trains will carry a maximum of 20 passengers with hourly departures.

The contract will be for 10 years.

Six operators had expressed interest to the Malta Transport Authority to operate this type of service, the ministry said.