More than 10,000 customers have downloaded the new tallinja app since its launch on Tuesday.

The main feature of the free app shows customers the number of minutes for the next bus.

"The feedback we have received from our regular customers has been positive and we are very happy that our customers are finding this app useful," said Konrad Pulé, general manager of Malta Public Transport.

The tallinja app makes use of GPS technology where every bus transmits its current location to the central system. The system then compares the location to where the bus is planned to arrive and estimates time of arrival on each of the 2,000 bus stops around Malta and Gozo.

"The app was made possible with our constant investment in technology. We would also like to remind those customers who do not have access to a smartphone that the My Next Bus feature is also available on SMS," Mr Pulé said.

Customers can send an SMS to 5061 1010 and enter the bus stop code in the message. They will then receive a message from tallinja with a list of buses arriving at this bust stop within the next 30 minutes.

The app also gives tallinja card holders additional benefits. With a simple online registration process, card holders may check their card balance, top up their card and even see their actual bus trips and transaction history.