531 travelled by bus for free in January and February when a new scheme for 18-year-olds came into force.
In terms of the Budget, those who turn 18 in 2017 can travel by bus for free for a year. The scheme was set up to encourage young people to travel by bus.
In January 2017, 277 passengers benefited from the scheme,which was, 64% of 18 year olds in possession of the Tallinja card, Trasport Malta said.
During February, the number of passengers benefiting from the scheme went up to 531, meaning 71% of eligible passengers to travel for free.
The increase noted in February was not limited to the number of persons benefiting from the scheme but also in the average number of trips per passenger.
During January, commuters who benefited from the scheme made an average of just under 20 trips. The average number of trips in February increased to 24.
The scheme applies for any type of personalised tallinja card and starts on the client’s 18th birthday and ends exactly before his or her 19th. Any individual can benefit up to a maximum of €312 in credit refunds during the year.