Budget 2016 lays important ground for much needed transport initiatives, Transport Malta said in a statement, adding that the budget focuses on prevailing issues.  It acknowledges the daily reality of traffic congestion, invests in our roads further and incentives cleaner transport, it said.

Transport Malta said it will be leading several projects aimed at revitalising transport. Among which, the Kappara Junction project, that will increase our road network capacity; the implementation of smart technology, innovative ideas like tidal lane systems and the coordination of a national cycling plan. 

Transport Malta will lead a number of campaigns on road safety. Diligence on public transport operator will increase focusing on punctuality and frequency, also in the context of an expansion in the bus network that will reach more commuters easily.

Another important task assigned to Transport Malta is the coordination of a reach out campaign with road users, drivers and interested stakeholders to come up with ideas on how traffic management can be improved. Transport Malta believes commuters, particularly from their own perspective, can contribute significantly with innovative ideas to make our roads a better experience for all. Transport Malta will be launching a consultation campaign in the coming weeks.

Transport Malta has teamed up with the highly popular Maltese Roads Traffic Updates and will deliver information on ongoing road works directly to users.  The smart phone app developed by vioside which was available at a fee is now being financed by Transport Malta and is available for free - www.maltesetraffic.com/app.php

Transport Malta is also preparing a car sharing strategy.  As part of this strategy Transport Malta is supporting the initiative Bum a Lift.  While the web application remains available for those wanting to set up trips ad hoc, incredible web, the creators of Bum a Lift have developed a smart phone app targeted at parents who take their children to school.  Parents will be matched through the app and will be able to take each other’s children to school.  The app is already available for parents of students that attend St. Martin’s College.  

The availability will then be expanded to church, private schools and eventually to state schools and places of work with numerous employees.  Incredible Web have opted for a curated phase by phase introduction to slowly induce a culture of car pooling within selected communities.  Schools interested in participating can email [email protected] whilst parents can register their interest on www.bum-a-lift.com/schools

James Piscopo, Chairman & CEO, said, “Budget 2016 is welcome news from a transportation perspective. It lays down important foundations on what we shall be building upon in the coming years to face the challenges compounded over the years. Transport Malta will be focusing its efforts more on land transportation challenges, the reality of traffic being a foremost priority together with significant improvement in public transport. We are aware and sensitive to the constructive criticism of the people and we shall take commuters’ realistic expectations and ideas as critical feedback in our daily decision making”