Labour aims to address traffic chokepoints in new infrastructure pledge

Prime Minister Robert Abela on Tuesday announced an €829 million package of transport and infrastructure measures, led by major investment in Malta’s road network and a pledge to address the country’s chronic parking problems.

Speaking during a press conference, Abela said the measures form part of the government’s long-term “Malta in Motion” strategy, which he described as the country’s first holistic transport plan.

Among the largest projects planned over the coming years are major junction upgrades at Barrani/Bir id-Deheb, Paceville, Qormi Imghallaq and Burmarrad. The government also pledged to continue investing heavily in the national road network.

Abela also outlined a series of initiatives aimed at increasing parking availability. These include the development of underground parking facilities beneath open spaces projects, the use of privately owned car parks during night-time hours, and the introduction of residents’ parking schemes in collaboration with local councils and communities.

The prime minister insisted the residents’ parking model would not involve paid parking systems.

The government also plans to expand park-and-ride facilities and introduce more shuttle bus services, including routes connecting to ferry terminals.

Central to the plan is the development of a rapid transport system tailored for Malta, which is expected to become operational over a 15-year period.

Transport Malta is already working on a digital application that will integrate all public transport services into one platform, allowing commuters to plan journeys across buses, Y-Plates, ferries, micromobility services such as cycling, and eventually the rapid transport system.

During the next legislature, the government also plans to introduce a “mobility wallet”, a digital platform bringing together all public transport services and incorporating a mobility credits scheme. Users who opt for alternative forms of transport will accumulate credits redeemable against products and services, including transport.

Abela said the bus network would undergo a “careful review”, with new or revised routes introduced according to demand. He said the government wants more routes serving town centres using smaller buses, alongside increased frequency on the busiest routes and more punctual services coordinated with sea transport and the future rapid transit system.

The government also pledged to continue electrifying the public transport fleet, with the full transition of the Gozo fleet expected to be completed this year.

Malta’s fast ferry network will also be expanded, with works already underway to include Marsaskala in the service while extending operating hours.

Among other transport-related measures, the government announced it will remove licence fees for motorcycles with engines under 350cc and double the e-bike purchase grant to €1,300 for youths aged between 16 and 18.

From 2029 onwards, all new passenger transport vehicles, including rental cars, must be electric or hybrid vehicles.

Beyond transport, the government announced a €55 million investment in a new breakwater at Sant Iermu aimed at reducing wave impact in the Grand Harbour.

The shore-to-ship electricity project, already implemented in the Grand Harbour, will also be extended to the Freeport.

In Marsaxlokk, maintenance and extension works will be carried out on the Delimara breakwater to provide greater shelter for vessels.As part of the Vision Malta 2050 strategy, the government also plans to regenerate the Grand Harbour area through a four-zone project beginning with the Marsa creek and Customs House areas.

On Gozo connectivity, Abela said the government aims to strengthen links with Malta by more than 25%.

Measures include investment in a completely new fleet for Gozo Channel, including a dedicated cargo vessel, the introduction of an inter-island air taxi service following completion of the Gozo airstrip, further expansion of fast ferry links, and infrastructure upgrades at the Mġarr and Marsalforn ports.

An on-demand bus service will also be introduced in Gozo.