Watch: Car penalties now would be like 'a new tax' - Chris Bonett

Introducing punitive measures to discourage car use before an alternative mass transport system is in place would amount to “creating a new tax”, Transport Minister Chris Bonett said on Friday.

He added that such measures could only be considered once reliable alternatives exist, arguing that it would be unfair to burden people when Malta has no viable mass transport options at present.

Bonett was reacting to Finance Minister Clyde Caruana’s recent comments that a mass transport system would only be feasible if both parties agreed to implement measures discouraging car use.

“I am inclined to agree with Minister Clyde Caruana, once there is an alternative. And we are working on those alternatives... The government must consider how to encourage people to use mass transport by introducing measures that discourage car use,” Bonett said.

Several associations have suggested increasing the price of fuel, licences, or introducing paid parking. However, Bonett said he does not agree with implementing any of these measures today, as there is currently no viable alternative for people.

“I don’t agree with implementing it now, because if you do it today without offering an alternative, then you will be creating a new tax,” he said.

To solve the traffic issue, Bonett said, the ministry has been working on implementing short-term plans consisting of projects like the one at Msida Creek, but also increasing the number of bus routes, medium-term plans focused on increasing ferry transport, and the long-term plan, which will be the mass transport system.

The government has been in discussions with ARUP, the international firm commissioned to study the project’s feasibility, for a year, he said, adding that the plan is now being finalised.

Bonett appealed for both parties to work together once the government unveils the plan, as the project is expected to span several legislatures. He warned that failing to act could have a significant negative impact on Malta’s economy.

Bonett also criticised Opposition Leader Alex Borg for suggesting that a tram would be a better option than a metro without conducting any studies.

Looking beyond the proposed mass transport system, the minister reiterated his call for an integrated transport network that combines different modes of transport working together.

Last week, the prime minister revealed that the revised metro plans will cost €2.8 billion. The plan envisions a "hybrid" underground and overground system.

Just days before the Budget was announced, Caruana warned that if the country got mass transportation project wrong "we would be royally screwed".