The failure of public transport is one of the main reasons for the traffic in Malta and Gozo, PN MP Marthese Portelli has said, adding that Transport Minister Joe Mizzi must carry the responsibility.

While the Labour government did not create the traffic problem, the situation has worsened, she said, "so much so that drivers are spending more than an hour in traffic before reaching their destination".

During the electoral campaign, Prime Minister Muscat had spoken of a plan for traffic management which included public transport. "It is clear that Muscat laughed in everyone's face that day".

"He has not only failed to manage the traffic situation, but is now blaming the Maltese and Gozitan people, and uses the excuse that he doesn't want to reduce fuel prices in order for the people not to drive more. This is an unjust argument, as the incompetence of government is being paid for by the people. The price of fuel must reduce immediately in order to reflect the international prices".