The bus service will be free of charge on all routes between December 22 and Christmas Eve, the government has announced.

The Roads Ministry said this was one of several initiatives being taken to facilitate transport over Christmas.

Minister Jesmond Mugliett this would be the first time that public transport would be free of charge, the purpose being to reduce road congestion.

He said that after talks with the GRTU, the ADT, Mepa and the Public Transport Association it had also been agreed that the bus fare on all routes to and from Paceville would be reduced to 10c between this Friday and Sunday.

A park and ride system to Paceville will operate from the Luxol grounds in Pembroke between this Friday and January 6 between 10.30 p.m. and 1 a.m., continuing to 6 a.m. during Fridays, Saturdays and on the eve of public holidays. Parking will be free on the former parade grounds while the shuttle will cost 20c one way, rising to 25c after 11 p.m.

Mr Mugliett said Triq il-Baltiku under Manwel Dimech bridge will be reopened for traffic towards Spinola between December 20 and January 6.

Between December 14 and January 6, Triq l-Ibraġġ at Tal-Balal (from the Mekkek Bar) will be open one-way towards Ibragg between 5 p.m. and 6 a.m.

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