Why Finding a Taxi with a Child Seat in Malta Is Still So Hard

Stranded with a Stroller: Why Taxis Without Child Seats Leave Families Stuck

We’ve had a few too many of these moments lately — standing on the pavement, toddler in tow, luggage packed, and a taxi app open on our phone... only to have the ride cancel just when we need it most.

Whether at the airport, outside a busy shopping centre, or trying to get home with tired little ones, the pattern has become familiar: you book a taxi on Bolt or Uber, wait 5–10 minutes, and then before the car is meant to arrive, the driver cancels. No explanation. No cancelation fee. Just another delay — with a baby or toddler in your arms.

When Safety Isn’t an Option

What makes this more than just an inconvenience is that when you’re travelling with small children, especially babies, safety isn’t optional. Taxis without child seats aren’t just uncomfortable — they’re dangerous. And yet, far too often, families are left stranded with two choices:

1. Wait again, with no guarantee the next ride will come.
2. Take the ride anyway, even if there’s no suitable seat for the child.

It’s an impossible position. No parent wants to risk their child’s safety. But when you’ve just landed, you’re running out of nappies, it’s 30°C outside, and the Bolt driver has just cancelled for the third time — what do you do?

Why Is This Happening?

It’s hard to know exactly why so many rides are cancelled — but it seems likely that some drivers, especially during busy periods, see a long pickup distance (like the airport) and simply don’t want to make the journey. There’s no penalty, and the customer is left starting again from scratch.

And as for child seats? Very few cars on the apps have them. Possibly because of:

• The cost: Proper, EU-approved child seats aren’t cheap — especially when drivers might need different sizes (infant, toddler, booster) to meet different needs.
• The space: Child seats take up room. Many drivers may prefer the flexibility of a fully empty backseat over one that’s limited by a bulky base.
• The lack of regulation: Unlike in some countries, there’s little visible enforcement around child seat use in taxis here.

But in the end, it’s families — and most importantly, children — who lose out.

Can Malta Do Better?

Malta is a family-friendly country in so many ways. But this feels like a gap that needs urgent attention.

Could taxi platforms offer a “child seat required” filter with guaranteed options (even at a small premium)?
Could incentives be offered to drivers who equip their vehicles properly?
Could the government step in with guidance, training, or grants for safer travel options for families?

Even one of those changes could make a real difference for a parent trying to get home with their newborn.

Let’s Start the Conversation

Have you faced this problem too? We’d love to hear your stories — the workarounds, the close calls, the solutions that worked. Drop a comment or join the conversation over on our Facebook page.

Because while we can’t fix the taxi system overnight, raising our voices (gently but clearly) is often how change begins.