In August, Malta’s buses carried a record-breaking 7.48 million passengers, the highest ever for a single month. That’s 10.5% more than last year (which recorded 6,783,357 trips) and a massive 34.7% jump compared to 2019.But while more people than ever are using public transport, the number of buses on the road hasn’t kept up with the surge in demand. From December 2020 to December 2024, the number of buses grew modestly, from 465 to 508 units, an increase of just 9.2% overall. During the pandemic years, the fleet even dipped, falling to 415 buses by 2021 before gradually recovering.The result: crowded buses. Many routes, especially those linking major urban areas and tourist hubs, are regularly filled beyond comfort. At the Kulleġġ bus stop in Msida, for example, commuters heading toward Sliema or St Julian’s report buses packed “like sardines.” One regular user described tight squeezes so intense that drivers direct passengers to move back to make room but often with little success according to Malta Today.Some riders have even been asked to board via the middle door after tapping their Tallinja cards, a practice born out of necessity yet criticised by users who find themselves stuck near exits with no space to move.Others recount jostling and elbowing at busy stops where queuing is nearly impossible. Priority seats, designed for the elderly and passengers with disabilities, are also often occupied by younger commuters, further exacerbating tensions. Advocacy group Żminijietna- Voice of the Left has voiced concern, warning that the most vulnerable are bearing the brunt of overcrowding. They’ve called for increased inspections and better public announcements to help manage passenger flow.Officials also acknowledged the strain with a Transport Ministry spokesperson noting how overcrowding tends to peak on certain seasonal routes. To counter it, they say, they adjust frequency and deploy additional buses during high-demand periods. Malta Public Transport (MPT) also reports progress that as of July 2025, all single-door buses have been retired and replaced with dual-door models intended to ease boarding and flow.In recent months, MPT has added 60 new buses and launched campaigns urging passengers to move further inside vehicles to optimise space. They’ve also committed to placing staff at busy stops to assist boarding. Despite these efforts, the sharp rise in demand for bus travel highlights a growing tension between usage and capacity. It underscores a pressing need for continued investment and smarter scheduling if Malta’s public transport system is to keep pace with expectations—and avoid turning crowded buses from exception into norm.What do you make of the statistics?Credit: Malta Public Transport•