A newly resurfaced 1960s photograph, credited to Geoffrey Morant, captures a scene from a bygone era that the younger generations might not even recognise as Maltese! White Mellieha buses can be seen lined up near the Gozo Ferry – much smaller than it is now, and still serving at Marfa Pier – waiting to take passengers on the long journey to Valletta.

Back then, Malta’s buses were colour-coded by route, and Mellieha’s buses wore a distinct white livery. This meant that, from 1931 to 1973, Valletta’s two main bus termini were a sea of colours, each representing different villages across the island. As many would attest, these brightly painted buses were more than simple vehicles – they were part of the island’s identity. In fact, smaller versions can be spotted all over souvenir shops, and some buses from the old fleet that have been kept in good condition can be rented out for weddings and other special events. 

Most of these iconic buses were family-owned, with the driver often being the owner himself or a close relative. Conductors were frequently family members too, with generations of the same families dedicated to keeping Malta’s bus service running. In fact, some of today’s coach and minibus drivers can trace their roots back three generations or more in the local transport industry!

Do you remember Malta’s old buses?