Ecolane and Malta Public Transport partnered to deliver the island nation of Malta on-demand transportation services that expand beyond their current fixed-route system.

Using Ecolane’s application programming interface (API), Malta Public Transport added their existing client database and executed multifunctional transport to work seamlessly with their popular Tallinja app.

The TD Plus pilot project enables riders to choose when and where they would like to be picked up and dropped off. The system checks the best ride available and provides the rider with their trip confirmation.

There will be designated pick-up and drop-off points within conceptual corridors throughout Malta for their on-demand riders. The mobile app is designed to map out the route closest the rider’s pick-up point and then once the rider and driver reach the pick-up point, the driver will take the rider to the drop-off point nearest the rider’s destination. Because stops are only three miles apart, rides are expected to last less than 10 minutes.

Malta Public Transport will commission Mercedes Benz Sprinters for the launch. Provided by Autobus DeLeon, each vehicle accommodates up to 16 passengers and is wheelchair-accessible. Rides cost roughly three euros, or approximately $2.

There is an estimated 475 thousand people spread over 122 square miles in Malta with a population density of 4,077 per square mile, which ranks seventh in the world.