Recently, I applied for and received a Tallinja card from Transport Malta. I am over 60 years of age and was expecting a concession card but, instead, received an adult card.

Surprised, I rang Transport Malta and was told that, as I hold a residence permit and not a Malta ID card, I was not entitled to a concession card. I have lived in Malta for almost five years and pay income tax here and received nothing from the State.

Prior to July 1, 2015, I was able to buy an all-day ticket for 50c; now every time I board a bus it will cost 75c.

This seems to be an act of discrimination, one that, unhappily, is not unknown to Transport Malta.

The adult card relates to those between the ages of 17-59, thus I cannot be entitled to use it and, indeed, will not. Was it sent as a consolation prize?

The inference to be drawn here is that someone in my position, that is, an expat over 60, has no entitlement to any Tallinja card. How, I wonder, does this accord with the EU policies governing equal treatment?

It would be interesting to hear from other readers if they have experienced something similar.