The European Commission has closed its case against Malta over the possible discrimination of senior citizens on the public transport system.

In some cases what is needed is just a dose of good will and focus

Started last year, the case involved reduced bus rates for holders of the Kartanzjan, a card that is issued by the Government and gives certain advantages to pensioners.

Brussels sought clarifications from the Government after it flagged possible discrimination against senior citizens of other EU member states who are resident in Malta.

In its reply, the Government explained the Kartanzjan was a public policy measure targeting the elderly but it was not reserved only to those who resided in Malta throughout their working life. The card was extended to all senior EU citizens resident in Malta. All residents are entitled to preferential bus fares upon presentation of the Kartanzjan, according to a spokesman for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Europe.

Brussels accepted the Government’s explanation and closed the case, he added, noting that efforts to try and resolve pending issues between Malta and Brussels were sometimes complicated and other times less so.

“In some cases what is needed is just a dose of good will and focus,” he said.