Residents and visitors in Gozo can now experience the island’s first autonomous bus service as the EU-funded metaCCAZE pilot enters its public testing phase in San Lawrenz. Following the successful completion of commissioning, the automated bus will now welcome passengers on a real-world route between Ċangura, San Lawrenz, and Dbieġi, Il-Wilġa, offering a first glimpse of how connected and autonomous mobility could support safer, smarter and more sustainable transport in Malta and Gozo.
With the start of public testing, Gozo moves from preparation to real passenger experience, inviting residents and visitors to step on board, try the autonomous bus first-hand, and help shape the next generation of public transport.
The service will operate from Monday to Saturday, excluding public holidays, between 09:30 and 12:45 and 14:00 and 16:45, with departures every 15 minutes. Journeys will run between Ċangura in San Lawrenz and Dbieġi in Il-Wilġa. The service is free of charge during the testing phase.
Safe testing in real-world conditions
Safety is central to the pilot. Each journey will be supervised by a trained operator, who can take manual control whenever needed. The service will operate in line with Transport Malta’s regulatory requirements, while operational data will be collected to support a comprehensive evaluation of the pilot.
By running the service in real-world conditions, the project will gather valuable insights into how the autonomous bus performs on local roads, how passengers interact with the service, and what is needed to make such solutions reliable, trusted and useful for communities.
Passengers invited to shape the future of mobility
Passengers are encouraged to complete a short survey after their journey. As research partner in the project, the University of Malta will collect feedback throughout the testing period to better understand users’ experiences, expectations and perceptions of autonomous public transport.
This feedback will play an important role in evaluating the pilot and in identifying how automated mobility can best respond to the needs of local communities, residents and visitors.
A European project with local relevance
The Gozo pilot is part of the metaCCAZE project and is led locally by Malta Public Transport, the Ministry for Sustainable Mobility, and the University of Malta. Through this collaboration, Malta and Gozo are exploring how autonomous and connected transport solutions can contribute to cleaner, safer and more efficient mobility.
The pilot also connects Gozo to a wider European effort. Across metaCCAZE, cities are testing electric, automated and connected solutions for both passengers and freight, showing how innovation can support the transition towards climate-neutral mobility.
Malta Public Transport General Manager Konrad Pule said: “The start of the public testing phase represents an important step in this project, as it gives the public the opportunity to experience autonomous transport for the first time in Malta. While this is a pilot initiative, it allows us to better understand how this technology performs in a real-world environment and how passengers interact with it.”
Prof Maria Attard, Director of the Institute for Climate Change and Sustainable Development at the University of Malta added: “Research lies at the heart of the metaCCAZE project, exploring how autonomous mobility can be implemented effectively in real-world settings. Beyond technological feasibility, the University of Malta is examining public acceptance, user experiences and the wider social impacts of the service. The pilot will also provide valuable insight into how lessons from other European contexts can be adapted to the specific mobility needs and realities of Malta and Gozo.”
Ms Diane Muscat, Director General (Strategy and Policy) at the Ministry for Sustainable Mobility said: “The metaCCAZE project allows Malta to explore innovative transport solutions that can contribute to safer, smarter and more sustainable mobility. As the Ministry for Sustainable Mobility, this initiative represents an important step in supporting the testing of more efficient, accessible and environmentally responsible transport systems. The pilot will provide valuable knowledge and practical experience to help shape the future of transport in Malta and Gozo, while informing future policy and investment decisions in the sector.”
More about our Living Lab in Gozo, Malta
The Living Lab in Gozo and Malta is dedicated to advancing sustainable mobility initiatives within the EU’s Horizon framework. As part of the metaCCAZE project, Malta is exploring ways to transition towards greener, smarter transport systems that are more aligned with climate-neutral goals. By participating in this project, Gozo and Malta aim to improve their urban mobility infrastructure, reduce emissions, and ensure a more sustainable future for residents while gaining insights from leading European cities on clean and connected mobility solutions.
Learn more here.
