Bus passengers in Malta can now book their seat with TD Plus

Malta Public Transport has introduced a new innovative service offering customers the possibility to book their bus seat on one of the new premium buses through the popular and updated Tallinja App. TD Plus is a pilot project which allows passengers to choose when and where they would like to be picked up from and dropped off. The system then checks the best ride available and provides the passenger with their trip confirmation.

Konrad Pulé, General Manager at Malta Public Transport, said: “This is a completely new approach to urban transportation and the feedback we received after an intensive testing period in the past weeks has been immensely encouraging. Public transport is evolving around the world, and we want to be at the forefront of this by offering our passengers innovative and convenient ways of getting around Malta. We are very excited about this new project and we look forward to receiving more feedback to continue improving our service.”

TD Plus is a first for Malta. The bus company partnered with Ecolane, an on-demand scheduling and dispatching software company, to provide this innovative service. TD Plus uses technology that matches the requests made by different passengers to select the most efficient route. It offers greater flexibility, more comfort and added value while saving time. Customers can book multiple passengers on a single trip, and request access for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The system will also send notifications to alert the passengers that the bus is on its way to the bus stop.

Steve Ross, CEO of Ecolane, commented: “Ecolane is enthusiastic to have a partnership with Malta Public Transport for the TD Plus service. As microtransit services continue to evolve, Ecolane strives to provide innovative technology solutions that enhance mobility options and community engagement for people who otherwise would not have access, especially when it is offered inclusively as part of public transportation.”