Two ADT officials returned from a study visit to Singapore to learn about experience there in Public Transport Regulation and Management. This follows a successful submission for a twinning project, funded by the World Bank’s Small States Network for Economic Development (SSNED). The SSNED recognises the difficulties small states face due to their size and insularity and encourages collaboration between small states. In this case Malta partnered with Singapore to learn about the approaches to the successful implementation and management of efficient public transport systems developed in Singapore. A study programme was developed and delivered by the LTA Academy, part of the Land Transport Authority of Singapore.

This project comes at a time when the Infrastructure, Transport and Communications Ministry is completing preparations for the reform of public transport in Malta. Following the publication of a number of policy documents and the proposed bus networks for Malta and Gozo last year, the ministry is also looking at reforming the administration dealing with public transport regulation and management.

The study visit included lectures and discussions with various experts within the Land Transport Authority of Singapore on matters mostly related to public transport policy, regulation, monitoring, design and operation, standards and ticketing, and field visits using various modes of public transport.

The twinning project will conclude with the presentation of a technical report to the Ministry on the necessary capacity building at the Malta Transport Authority in order to effectively manage and regulate its responsibilities in the public transport sector.