Labour would focus on transport 'modal shift' in new government

Robert Abela unveiled the Labour Party’s plan for transport on Tuesday, which will focus on a “modal shift” to public and alternative modes. 

However, the Prime Minister repeated claims that a government under his watch will not penalise car drivers by introducing paid parking. 

The pledges heavily rely on the Labour Government’s policy unveiled just before the election, “Malta in Motion” transport network.

Abela said the government's transport plan is estimated to cost €829 million throughout the legislature and said the figure includes the first five years of work - €400 million- on the redesigned transport network.

The plan increases the number of fast ferry routes across Malta’s East Coast from Marsascala to St Paul’s Bay, would introduce a new light rail system in 15 years and an expanded bus network that feeds the ferries and the mass transport system. 

More frequent but smaller buses that enter town centres will be among the changes to Malta’s bus system that should be introduced in 2029, when the current concession agreement with Malta Public Transport comes to an end. 

Asked how a bus system can be punctual if cars on Malta’s roads keep on increasing, Abela pointed to measures put forward in the government’s “Malta in Motion document” specifically mentioning that buses will get traffic lights priority via a radio frequency system.

Abela also revealed that the government is in talks with private coach operators to see if some can be integrated into the public transport system, to effectively temporarily add vehicles to the fleet.

Abela said the new Buġibba-Sliema-Gozo fast ferry carried over 12,000 passengers in its first week.

That route is the second fast ferry route from central Malta to Gozo. A fast ferry service from Valletta to Gozo has existed for years and has gained popularity. The government subsidises the companies that run the service with €7 million per year. 

Asked why the government still pays the subsidy considering the service’s popularity, Abela said that if the subsidy is removed, ticket prices will shoot up.

Prime Minister Abela also said Transport Malta is working on an app that guides users on the best way to get to a destination without using a car- including the bus, walking, cycling, ferries, and cabs. 

On Tuesday morning, Abela also pledged several infrastructural projects, including junctions in the Tal-Barrani area, Paceville, and Qormi’s Imgħallaq area. 

Increasing residential parking

He also said a PL government would work to increase the number of residential parking spaces. Abela said he would do that by building new parking areas underneath new open spaces and enter talks with businesses that have empty parking lots in the evening so that residents can use the spaces. 

Another incentive is to introduce residents-only parking in commercial areas.

This incentive, which already exists in Valletta, would come following talks with local councils, residents and businesses in the area. 

Abela said that a PL government would further encourage the use of small engine motorbikes by removing all license fees for motorbikes that are lower than 350cc. 

He said Labour would also double the government grant for electric bicycles to €1,300. 

Another way to incentivise using alternative transport is by a government-created ‘mobility wallet’ which will provide credits for using public and alternative transport. Those credits can then be used to buy items like bicycles or other alternative transport-related products.