Malta Public Transport is to make a donation to the Malta Community Chest Fund for every passenger who uses the route buses on December 21.

"We encourage everyone to use our services on 21st December to help raise funds for L-Istrina. It’s a simple way to make a difference during the festive season,” Felipe Cosmen, chairman of Malta Public Transport, said.

"The more people travel by bus on the day, the more funds will be raised to support this cause."

Tallinja għal L-Istrina, as the initiative is called, is now in its eighth year. It is held in collaboration with the Office of the President.

President Myriam Spiteri Debono, who also heads the Community Chest Fund,  expressed her appreciation, which she described as an important part of a series of activities in aid of L-Istrina, so that the funds raised can help those in need.

Since 2016 Malta Public Transport has contributed over €284,000 to the fund through this initiative.

Extended bus service on New Year's Eve

Malta Public Transport has also announced an extended service on New Year's Eve. 

The special services will depart from Valletta Terminus as follows:

· S10: This route connects Paola to Kalkara, passing through Isla and Bormla. It operates from 23:30 hrs to 01:40 hrs.

· S12: Serving Msida and Buġibba, this route passes through San Ġiljan, Pembroke, Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq, and Qawra. Services run from 23:35 hrs to 01:40 hrs.

· S13: This service runs through Gżira, Msida, San Ġiljan, and Tas-Sliema, operating from 23:45 hrs to 02:00 hrs.

· S20: Travelling to Għargħur via Tal-Qroqq and San Ġwann, this route runs from 23:40 hrs to 01:45 hrs.

· S40: This service links Birkirkara, Ħal Lija, Ħal Balzan, Mosta (Independence Avenue), and Mġarr. It operates from 23:35 hrs to 01:50 hrs.

· S41: Running along the Coast Road, this route serves San Pawl il-Baħar, Mellieħa, and Ċirkewwa. It runs from 23:30 hrs to 01:40 hrs.

· S42: This route passes through Birkirkara Valley Road towards Mosta (Tarġa and Żokrija), operating from 23:40 hrs to 01:40 hrs.

· S47: Serving Birkirkara, Lija, Iklin, Naxxar, and Mosta (Sta Margerita), this service runs from 23:30 hrs to 01:55 hrs.

· S51: Passing through Fleur de Lys to Mtarfa, with stops in Rabat, this service operates from 23:35 hrs to 01:35 hrs.

· S52: Travelling towards Dingli via Fleur de Lys and Rabat, this service runs from 23:50 hrs to 01:50 hrs.

· S61: This route passes through Ħamrun and Qormi, heading towards Żebbuġ (Sciortino), operating from 23:45 hrs to 01:45 hrs.

· S62: Running through Ħamrun towards Siġġiewi, this service operates from 00:00 hrs to 01:30 hrs.

· S71: This route connects Luqa centre and Żurrieq via Ħal Kirkop and Ħal Safi, running from 23:45 hrs to 01:45 hrs.

· S72: Passing through Qormi Road towards Qrendi via Ħal Kirkop and Mqabba, this service operates from 00:25 hrs to 01:25 hrs.

· S80: Travelling to Birżebbuġa via Santa Luċija, Gudja, and Ħal Għaxaq, this route runs from 23:45 hrs to 01:30 hrs.

· S85: This service passes through Tarxien and Marsaxlokk via Bulebel, Żejtun, and Bir id-Deheb, operating from 23:30 hrs to 01:45 hrs.

· S90: Heading towards Paola and Marsaskala via Fgura, this service runs from 00:15 hrs to 01:45 hrs.

· S94: Travelling to Xgħajra via Paola, Fgura, and Żabbar, this route operates from 23:35 hrs to 01:35 hrs.

Regular night services (N13, N48, N62, N82, and N91) will operate as usual, with N48 making extra trips at 00:35 hrs and 01:05 hrs.

Passengers with personalised Tallinja Cards can travel for free, while cash tickets priced at €3 per passenger will be available from onboard ticket machines for those without a valid Tallinja Card. The ticket booths and the Call Centre will remain closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.