Malta’s Silver T transport service has extended its operating hours, giving elderly residents more flexibility when heading to appointments, running errands or simply getting around their communities.The free transport service, available to people over 60 who require assistance with their daily errands, will now operate from 7am until 4.30pm from Monday to Friday, extending its previous closing time of 2pm.Silver T will also operate on Saturday mornings, giving users another option when planning their week.The changes were announced during a press conference addressed by Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing Deo Debattista, alongside Permanent Secretary Renzo Degabriele, Active Ageing and Community Care CEO Steve Agius and Silver T representative Yaser Teebi.The extension forms part of the government’s Int Malta manifesto commitments being implemented during its first 100 days.Silver T is designed to help elderly residents maintain their independence by providing free transport to essential locations including banks, markets, supermarkets, health centres and local councils.And demand for the service appears to be significant.More than 33,000 journeys were carried out through Silver T between the beginning of the year and the end of June, with around 1,000 people using the service every month.First launched in 2019, Silver T has since expanded nationwide and is currently available across both Malta and Gozo.Debattista said the extended hours form part of the government’s wider approach towards ensuring elderly people can remain independent, active and involved in their communities.“Our services must adapt to the lives and needs of older persons, rather than older persons having to adapt to the services,” he said.He added that every Silver T journey can mean an elderly person being able to attend an appointment, complete an errand or remain active in their community, while also giving their relatives peace of mind.Meanwhile, Agius said the longer operating hours should allow Silver T to better respond to users’ needs while giving them greater choice when organising appointments and errands.Anyone wishing to use Silver T must book the service at least three days before transport is required.More information is available through Active Ageing and Community Care.What do you make of Silver T’s extended hours?•