It’s a stifling hot Sunday afternoon. The mercury has hit over 30°C and no breeze is wafting in the air. I can think of no better way of spending the next few hours than by having a siesta or, better still, heading for the beach.
Yes, a refreshing swim in the cool, crystal-clear sea seems like the perfect idea. But, just a split second later, it dawns on me that to get to any of my favourite beaches, I have to cross the island by car, most probably getting stuck in traffic along the way; then go round in circles for at least 20 minutes trying to find a ‘decent’ parking slot; end up parking many hundred metres from the shore anyway; and then walk under the scorching sun for that same distance until I can finally lay my towel somewhere.
This thought is enough to discourage me from going anywhere and instead opt for that nap.
Then I remember about my teenage years when I didn’t yet have a driving licence, let alone a car, and used to spend long days lingering by the sea. How did I get to Għadira, Golden Bay or Riviera (Għajn Tuffieħa) then? Simple, by using public transport.
I think to myself that maybe I should try to use the bus again instead ofstaying indoors. The public transport service has definitely improved since my teens: the new buses are more comfortable and air-conditioned, which is already a big plus… besides being environmentally-friendly.
But what about the frequency of trips and schedules?
I check the Malta Public Transport website to find that the bus operator has just launched a new summer schedule. The frequency of buses to the most popular summer destinations has increased.
The Tallinja app can show me which buses are passing next by my bus stop and at what time, so I can better plan my journey
There are 300 more trips every day running from Sliema to Buġibba, Buġibba to Għajn Tuffieħa and Victoria to Marsalforn and Dwejra, among other routes.
Besides, the operator has extended certain routes. For example, the Għadira Bay bus will now drive you all the way to Armier, the Żurrieq bus takes you to Wied iż-Żurrieq and the Mġarr bus will get you to Ġnejna.
Thirty-three new 12-metre buses have been added to the existing fleet to cope with the demand for these trips.
I realise that I haven’t downloaded the Tallinja app yet (apparently, 35,000 others already have), which can show me which buses are passing next by my bus stop and at what time, so I can better plan my journey and not stay huffing and puffing in the sweltering heat unnecessarily.
For those who don’t have a smartphone, there is also an SMS service which will supply you with the same information on any mobile phone.
This week, the timetables on Malta and Gozo’s circa 2,000 bus stops have been updated, as have been Google Maps.
With the new season came a new tariff for the two-hour journey – the price has increased from €1.50 to €2 – but people using the Tallinja card have not been affected: one still pays 75c for each trip and pensioners only 25c. So don’t forget to top up your card every so often.
Tourists in possession of the seven-day Explore cards (€21 for adults and €15 for children) and the 12 single journey cards (€15) will not be affected either.
More good news should reach us soon as Malta Public Transport is planning to launch nine new direct services later on in summer.
So I can get to the beach, relaxed under the air-con while reading a book or listening to some music on my headphones. No hassle driving or parking. I could also tell my friends to join me on my trip and chat along the way like the good old times!
Ahhhh... the beach looks inviting once again. Doesn’t it?
For more information, visit www.publictransport.com.mt.