Electric minicabs will be introduced in Valletta as from the 25th June. The ten minicabs will carry three passengers each around the capital city, daily from 0700CEST to 2000CEST.
The minicabs, described by the Minister for Urban Development and Roads Jesmnd Mugliett presiding over Thursday’s launch as "environmentally friendly", is set to make Valletta more accessible by making stops at Marsamxett, Freedom Sqaure, St George Square, the Customs Office, Castille Square and St John Square.
Valletta will be divided into two zones. Zone A will cover the centre of Valletta while Zone B will cover the City peripheral. The cost of a one-way trip in Zone A is Lm0.45c for the first passenger and Lm0.10c for any additional passenger. The cost of a one-way trip in Zone B is Lm0.90 c for the first passenger, while any additional passenger pays Lm0.20c. During the first week of operations, the service will be provided for free.
Passengers can either take a minicab from any of the stands, call a cab on 21 3333 21 or 79 3333 21 from any point in Valletta or simply hop on any approaching cab if it is vacant.
The Minister furthermore announced that in the coming days, more express routes by the ADT will be offered while the Park and Ride system will be enlarged. Negotiations with entrepreneurs concerning a lifts project with “Valletta Vertical Connections will also be concluded in the upcoming weeks.
The minicabs, operated by CT Park Limited will not be operated by fuel, thus reducing air pollution and are exempt from Controlled Vehicular Access to the city.
“We must look at the regeneration of Valletta from a holistic perspective,” explained minister Mugliett, adding that in this endeavour transport, urban development, environmental improvement and conservation all require equal consideration.
