Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1126183
06.06.19 TRENDSETTERS Liam Cater PASSENGERS can now book their seat with the just launched TD Plus service through the new updated Talinja App. is pilot project allows passengers to choose when and where they would like to be picked up and dropped off. e system then checks the best ride available and provides the passenger with their trip confirmation. is service will be initially offered on a select number of bus stops in the fol- lowing localities: Valletta, Floriana, Pie- tà, Blata l-Bajda, Msida, San Ġwann, St Julian's, Swieqi and Pembroke. e service is available every day be- tween 5.30am and 10.30pm. As a special introductory offer, the ser- vice will be available at €2 per trip for all those customers who book through the Tallinja App during the month of June. Customers may choose to pay for their trip with the credit on their Tallinja Card or using their credit card. e fleet includes six new premium minibuses which are low floor and fully wheelchair accessible. Free WiFi is available and seats are equipped with USB charging ports for added convenience. e minibuses can accommodate up to 16 passengers. "Public transport is evolving around the world, and we want to be at the fore- front of this by offering our passengers innovative and convenient ways of get- ting around Malta," Konrad Pulé, Gen- eral Manager at Malta Public Trans- port, said. "We are very excited about this new project and we look forward to receiv- ing more feedback to continue improv- ing our service." To deliver this innovative service, Mal- ta Public Transport has partnered with Ecolane, an on-demand scheduling and dispatching software company. e service makes use of specific tech- nology that matches the requests made by different passengers to select the most efficient route. It offers greater flexibility, more com- fort and added value while saving time. Customers are able to book multiple passengers on a single trip, and request access for wheelchairs or pushchairs. e system will also send notifications to alert the passengers that the bus is on its way to the bus stop. "Ecolane is enthusiastic to have a part- nership with Malta Public Transport for the TD Plus service," said Steve Ross, CEO of Ecolane. "As microtransit services continue to evolve, Ecolane strives to provide in- novative technology solutions that en- hance mobility options and community engagement for people who otherwise would not have access, especially when it is offered inclusively as part of public transportation." Malta Public Transport takes on ride hailing On-demand, Wi-Fi and USB charging: Transport Malta launches new ride service