Malta Public Transport has introduced new extra-long buses to make it easier for passengers to maintain social distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The buses – nicknamed ‘Sanibuses’ – entered service this morning. They measure 30 metres in length, more than double that of standard buses. The new buses also have reduced seating, with a column of six window seats on each side, and a space of two metres between each one.
“It’s true that only twelve people can use the Sanibus at the same time, meaning there will be even more people waiting at bus stops. But at least the few people who manage to get onto the bus can travel safe in the knowledge that Covid-19 will not get them during their commute,” MPT chairman Felipe Cosmen told journalists.
Cosmen went on to list some of the buses’ new features.
“The air conditioners have been refitted to pump hand sanitiser into the air every five minutes, ensuring everyone is disinfected at all times.
“And to minimise physical contact as much as possible, all buttons have been removed, and passengers will now need to yell at the driver to let him or her know they want to get off.
The chairman confirmed that, just like the standard buses, passengers will not be able to open the windows.
“If we did that, we’d be allowing the germy outside air to breach the secure, purified environment of the Sanibus,” Cosmen said.
While some people have compared the Sanibus to the old Arriva bendy buses that graced Malta’s roads under the previous government, the new social distancing buses do not have a pivoting joint.
“Due to the resulting lack of manoeuvrability, the buses can only be used on straight roads such as the St Paul’s Bay and Birkirkara bypasses and the Coast Road. But they’re completely free of Covid-19 and that’s all that matters.”
