Trackless train on track

The trackless train inaugurated on Friday enjoyed a "satisfactory" reception, train operator Melita Trans told the Times yesterday.

The diesel-powered vehicle, which began operating on Saturday morning, carried as many as 130 passengers on its very first day of service, the company said. Indeed, more locals than tourists signed up for the train's tour of the Rabat-Mdina-Mtarfa area.

The train is a tourism-oriented endeavour, running on an established route along existing roads. It provides patrons with a multi-lingual cultural and historic commentary and is compliant with safety and environmental standards (€4 standard).

Melita Trans's next aim is to set up a GPS-based commentary system.