Valletta bus terminus is to get a canopy to shelter passengers from the sun and rain, Transport Malta revealed on Friday. 

The steel structure canopy, which will be built on both sides of the ditch and cover all boarding bays, will have a roof of glass-reinforced plastic. 

In a statement issued on Friday afternoon, the transport regulator said that it had issued a call for tender for the canopy. The winning bid must have a serviceable life of 50 years and withstand winds of up to 37 metres per second, feature minimalist lighting to complement the historic bastions and be built around existing trees.

It will also be completely reversible, Transport Malta said, to ensure it can be dismantled and removed without damage if needed. 

"Transport Malta cooperated with the Planning Authority and ERA [Environment and Resources Authority] to make sure there is minimum visual and environmental impact," the regulator said.  

The call for tender will close on May 29.