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MALTA
ISLAND - GETTING AROUND
Maltese
buses are used for public transport, but at the same time they are also one of
the major attractions of the island, due to its uniqueness. In Malta there are
several types of buses that are no longer used anywhere in the world. They
are unique due to the tradition which implies a high degree of attention to detail
and redecoration. Some buses in Malta also have a unique look due to the practice
of maintenance, reconstruction and modification of bodies in local workshops. These
busses are an iconic feature of the island. Besides public transportation, they
are also used to transport tourists to different landmarks of the island. There
are new buses with impressive designs and also old ones with new designs.
History In
1905 the first buses were imported in Malta. In 1920 local carpenters and mechanics
started building busses. They actually built the bus bodies for local transport
companies. In 1921 public transport routes demarcation was a topic that opened
the competition between transport companies. With the establishment of the Traffic
Control Board in 1931, which was responsible for regulating routes, these buses
increased profitability, owners increasingly spending more for competitive buses.
Since then the tradition has been preserved buses appearance by decorating and
personalization. Following the 1970 reform, all transportation companies were
consolidated under one authority, the Public Transport Association, is a founding
general program for all companies without the ownership of buses to be changed.
There
are about 500 such buses on the island, which run alternately every second day.
In a typical day half the buses are used for transportation, while the other half
is given for rent, some of which are used as a bus carrying schoolchildren. Buses
can be seen along the terminal in Valletta, where the vast majority of their departure.
Other places you can see many of them are the locations: Bugibba, St. Paul `s
Bay, Sliema and Mosta. ATP (Association of Public transportation) of Malta
sets tasks drivers, who are responsible for travel and good operating conditions
for buses. Some buses are kept at home by drivers.
In
the 1930s, buses were painted in different colors according to the route that
was intended. Maltese buses are now dressed in three colors: yellow bottom, the
white top and a little red stripe below the windows. All Maltese buses are simple,
but have a special bodywork. They are now equipped with white plates that indicate
the destination. The most popular models, some of them very old, have positioned
the engine extended muzzle loader and a conventional-style truck. Most Maltese
buses grill and headlights developed curved windshield and sloping roof. The later
built buses are generally conventional design coach, as we meet and the rest of
the world, like Dupla Dominant. Many modern Maltese buses are built with low floors
to facilitate climbing off the vehicle.
Details Maltese
buses are characterized by high levels of customization and detail: - Use of
chrome parts, very well finished, such as wheels and grills. - Paintings. -
Messages for passengers, both inside and outside. - Names related to the various
saints, monarchs and other important objects. - Liners and curtains, especially
on the windshield. - Slogans, murals, quotes and pictures lucky (such as horseshoe
horse)
Many of the
Maltese buses proudly wears the name of the manufacturer of the chassis, body
or engine that uses it.
Malta
Island - Discover - Enjoy - Perfect vacation for everyone
Last
minute offers! Great hotel rates for SUMMER 2012! CALLCENTER: 004 0766 264 594