David Schembri
Catching the right bus online
Next time you want to go from Birżebbuġa to the Blue Grotto and have no idea how to get there by bus, a new website developed by an IT student should be of some help.
Michael Debono, a fourth-year ICT student who designed the website as a University project, said he was inspired by overseas websites for train routes.
"In this way, people who have no idea how the bus system in Malta works can make better use of the service," the 21-year-old said when contacted. The website also gives users the routes mapped out on the Google Maps service. However, there are some niggles as a route from Marsa to Valletta appears to cross the Grand Harbour and onto Fort St Elmo.
This should improve once the transport reform comes through, when there would be more points and bus stations on the Malta Transport Authority's database, according to Mr Debono. Until then, users can still tweak the maps to make them more accurate.
Tal-linja.com works by accessing the transport regulator's database and after the user selects his point of departure and arrival, the website displays the bus routes available, where to stop and connect to another bus and what time the buses would be leaving; in theory, at least.
And if you are feeling spontaneous and are seeking an adventure, you can always hit the "I want to be random" button and see what trip the system proposes.
There are still some kinks that need to be ironed out in the website. However, unlike the public transport system, it works well and didn't cost millions of euros to develop.
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Albert Farrugia
Feb 5th 2010, 09:53
Well done! Acutally, warts and all, the ATP does have a website, and the info is quite helpful, but this site is a big improvement on that! I think Mr Debono should be rewarded for this very useful application he developed and should be considered for employment with the new public transport company. Public transport reform is needed like water in the desert for this country. Such a reform cannot succeed without adequate IT backing.
Joseph V. Grech
Feb 4th 2010, 17:17
Very good idea Michael. Well done. Do fine tune though. I tried out the website and most of the time it gave perfect instructions. Try asking to go from Hamrun High Street to Dingli though. The direct connection is perfect; the indirect needs adjustments. Problem probably arose because Dingli was mixed up with Dingli Street (in Sliema).
A big Bravu though!
KZerafa
Feb 4th 2010, 14:24
Good effort but one has to be careful, especially tourists who do not know the islands well. Fgura, for example is indicated south of Zejtun whereas B'Kara parish church is indicated in Naxxar. However, it's a good start. Well done to Mr. Michael Debono.
Catherine
Feb 4th 2010, 13:05
A very big well done to the initiative of this youth.
Christian Sciberras
Feb 4th 2010, 12:44
Useless policies is what keeps government and institutions from developing relevant and innovative applications, and I say so from experience.
A web application which costed a person a few week's work would have costed the goverment a lot more resources.
All hail beaurocracy.
Andy Towler
Feb 4th 2010, 12:41
It works quite well - and shows how terrible the "cross country" routes really are (the routes that don't start or finish in Valletta). Rabat to Pembroke by car: 20 minutes. Rabat to Pembroke by bus: change in Valletta, making the journey well over an hour.
Franco Cassar Manghi
Feb 4th 2010, 12:19
A big congratulations Michael! Done a great job and I'm proud to be working with you! :)
@everyone: We need people like Michael in our society, where something on its own is small, but at the same time big enough to impact society. Congrats! :)
ABORG
Feb 4th 2010, 11:56
Well done for the good work!!!
I Cassar
Feb 4th 2010, 11:51
Well done indeed. ADT It is ideas not money and moaning that make the world go round.
L. Spiteri
Feb 4th 2010, 11:01
Well done. Something which the handsomely paid dead wood at ADT should have done generations ago.
Paul Barrett
Feb 4th 2010, 10:55
Brilliant - Something quite practicle, especially for the tourist with mobile access to the internet - well done.
Chrissey Zammit
Feb 4th 2010, 10:52
WELL DONE !!! Michael I have just checked out the site and it is very informative. Keep the good work up.