Abela defends transport strategy as car numbers continue to rise

Prime Minister Robert Abela defended the government’s long-term transport plans although new figures showed that the number of vehicles on Malta’s roads continues to increase steadily. Speaking during a Labour Party press conference on Wednesday, Abela was asked about National Statistics Office data showing that between January and March this year, Malta registered an average increase of 36 cars per day. The question came a day after the government unveiled a 15-year transport strategy aimed at reducing congestion and improving mobility. Replying to the question, Abela argued that the current increase is significantly lower than in previous years, when new vehicle registrations exceeded 70 per day. He attributed the reduction to government investment in alternative modes of transport and policies encouraging the uptake of electric and hybrid vehicles through incentives rather than penalties. The Prime Minister said the government had introduced strong financial incentives for fully electric vehicles, including grants worth thousands of euros, exemptions from registration tax, and exemptions from annual circulation tax. He noted that earlier schemes also covered hybrid vehicles before shifting focus towards fully electric cars. Abela described the newly launched transport strategy as a “holistic plan” built around six main pillars. These include the development of a mass transport system based on light rail, underground parking facilities, greater use of Y-plate transport services, stronger investment in sea transport, expanded public transport routes and services, and the electrification of the public transport fleet, beginning in Gozo before extending to Malta. He also stressed the importance of integrating different transport systems to create what he described as a more efficient national network. Cycling and walking infrastructure also form part of the broader strategy, he added. Highlighting investment in maritime transport, Abela pointed to existing ferry connections between the Cottonera area and Valletta, as well as the fast ferry service to Gozo. He noted that commuters using the fast ferry for work or study currently receive annual assistance of €650, which the government plans to increase to €800. The Prime Minister also referenced the free public transport system and expanded sea transport routes, including services between Sliema and Buġibba. He said supporting infrastructure and circular bus routes are already helping connect passengers to alternative transport systems. Abela added that the government is exploring the extension of sea transport services to Marsaskala through further infrastructure investment. He said the strategy forms part of a wider effort to continue addressing Malta’s long-standing traffic congestion challenges.