Sixteen to 20-year-olds who hold a tallinja card are now eligible for free public transport, in line with a promise made in this year’s budget.

The scheme was launched by Transport Minister Ian Borg on Wednesday. It extends a scheme launched last year offering a free one-year public transport pass to 18-year-olds.

Finance Minister Edward Scicluna had announced the extended scheme during his Budget 2018 speech, saying youths from 16 to 20 would get a free one-year public transport pass. 

The Transport Ministry statement announcing the launch of the extended scheme made no mention of the one-year eligibiliy period. 

A total of 5,000 18-year-olds benefited from last year’s scheme, the ministry said, saving the equivalent of €206,000 in public transport expenses.

In total, 28,000 youths are eligible to benefit from the extension. Eligible youths will also receive a tallinja card free-of-charge, the ministry added. 

Correction: This article originally stated that only 16 to 20-year-olds without a driving licence were eligible for a free public transport pass. This is incorrect - all youths within the age range qualify.

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