Magħtab residents are fuming over bus route changes they fear could leave them cut off from the public transport system.

Malta Public Transport announced last week that it would be introducing 19 new routes and altering 30 others as from today, with changes including extensions to new areas and trimming to allow buses to reach their destination faster.

The company said the service would now cover 2.5 million kilometres more each year, with increased frequencies in some localities.

However, the changes also include the removal of route 205, which previously left from Rabat and passed through Ta’ Qali, Mosta, Naxxar, Birguma, Magħtab, Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq and Pembroke.

Naxxar local councillor Clinton Sammut told The Sunday Times of Malta the change would mean a loss of service for residents in Magħtab and Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq – with Magħtab particularly isolated.

“The nearest bus stop for residents is now a 30-minute walk away across small country roads that are very dark at night,” he said.

“Many of the residents are elderly or have mobility problems, so it’s not always possible for them to walk such a long distance to catch the bus. Moreover, the route previously connected residents to the Mosta health centre, allowing them to access important services.” Mr Sammut said the area only benefited from a public transport service for the first time with the introduction of the Arriva service.

Before that, all that existed was a limited service provided by the council.

He said Malta Public Transport had confirmed to the council that there would be no replacement for route 205.

The company could not be reached for comment. It has previously said the overhaul was designed by Transport Malta following a consultation period during which over 3,500 proposals were considered, with local councils actively involved in designing the new routes. Transport Malta and the Transport Ministry have said they will convene a new consultation period where the new routes will be fine-tuned.