Watch: What would convince you to leave your car at home?

In 2022, Malta’s bus service became free for all residents in a bid to reduce traffic congestion. Yet three years later, a report shows that the average bus journey still takes three times longer than a car trip.

Instead of easing congestion, buses are stuck in the same traffic as cars. 

Last year,  ferry services between Valletta, Sliema and Cottonera also became free for Tallinja card holders. But traffic remains a growing problem.

Over 3,700 new cars hit the roads since July. A new transport master plan warns that by 2030, congestion could cost Malta €917 million a year. 

So, what could convince people to leave their car at home?

Several suggestions emerged from people we spoke to at a car park in Floriana this week.

Cab driver Chandra Oli described public transport as “amazing” but said delays are inevitable without dedicated lanes. “This is why more people prefer to drive their cars,” he said.

Architect Nigel Barbieri, who drove to Valletta for a quick meeting, said public transport system just isn't efficient enough.

Heather McNamara, a regular bus user, said shorter, circular routes would make a difference. 

"We need our politicans to actually use the transport system to see how it works," she said.

Heather Mcnamara said there needs to be a more holistic approach to the bus system. Photo: Antoine Farrugia Lauri

Pierre Galea, owner of the popular Galea’s Art Studio in Valletta, said he would rather drive his own car to the capital city, rather than spend time in traffic on a bus.

“Maybe we need another mode of transport, like a tram,” he said.

In 2022, the Nationalist Party had proposed a trackless tram system, while Transport Minister Chris Bonett recently floated effectively the same idea, a bus rapid transit system.

The government says it will unveil Malta’s new mass transit system by the end of the year but details remain vague. Meanwhile, a metro proposal is back in public discussion with Prime Minister Robert Abela saying a revised plan would cost the government €2.8 billion to implement.

Others suggested simpler solutions.

Victor Galea, the chairperson of Minus One, a support group for widows,  had a much cheaper solution in mind: walking.

Galea said he spent 45 minutes walking from Ta’Xbiex to Valletta, and suggested walking should be encouraged.

“If you see it’s a short route, and you can walk it, it’s much better,” he said, adding he uses his car for longer routes. 

Barbara Caruana, of the Foodbank Lifeline Foundation, said buses don't work for her but subsidised taxis might. 

"If you are running a bit late, you have the option of catching a taxi," she said. 

Brandon Saliba is already car-free, but believes taxi subsidies would help encourage others to leave their car at home. Photo: Antoine Farrugia Lauri

She also suggested the idea of carpooling, an initiative which has yet to take off locally. 

Architect Brandon Saliba, who gave up his car entirely, said taxi subsidies would be a positive "investment" for those wanting to use their car less.

"I understand couples who have children may be more dependent on the car, and it truly depends on the person's situation," he said.