An alternative form of transport in the form of 10 electric, chauffeur-driven cabs carrying up to three passengers each will start operating on 25 June in Valletta.
The service was launched by the operator, CT Park Limited, at a news conference attended by Rural Affairs and Environment Minister George Pullicino, Investment, Industry and IT Minister Austin Gatt and Roads and Urban Development Minister Jesmond Mugliett.
Passengers will be able to take an electric cab from various CT Cab stands in Valletta, or call 2133 3321 or 7933 3321 from anywhere in Valletta.
The cabs, which accommodate up to three passengers each, will operate for 13 hours a day between 7am and 8pm, including weekends and public holidays. Passengers will also be able to make use of the night service by dialling the cab service numbers.
The cabs will charge for the service according to the fare zones. Zone A will cover the centre of Valletta, while Zone B will cover the peripheral.
A one-way trip in Zone A will cost 45 cents for the first passenger and 10 cents for any additional passenger. When the euro is introduced in January, this will cost one euro for the first passenger. The cost of a one-way trip in Zone B will be 90cents for the first passenger and 20 cents for any additional passenger.
CT Park chairman Kenneth De Martino pointed out that this service would help improve the lives of Valletta’s residents.
“The cab service will help in the conservation of Valletta – worthy of its recognition as a World Heritage Site,” he said.
He said there were several private companies, NGOs and government institutions that were allocated one or more cabs exclusively for their requirements.
“In this way, they can provide their staff with personalised and exclusive service by having their own CT cab, which can also carry the company’s identity and operate as, and when, directed by the sponsoring company,” said Mr De Martino.
Minister Gatt said the cabs formed part of the government’s holistic effort to upgrade Valletta.
“The works carried out to pedestrianise and pave Valletta centre and the measures to improve accessibility will restore Valletta’s status as the commercial and retail capital of the island,” he said.
He pointed out that the government was investing millions to restore major buildings, improve the quality of the urban environment and provide alternative transport in Valletta.
Minister Pullicino said the electric cabs would not only help reduce noise and air pollution in Valletta but would “serve as a showcase for the advantages offered by vehicles that operate on clean energy sources.”
He explained that electric vehicles were well suited for Malta because there were no long distances to travel.
Minister Mugliett said the electric mini-cab service was a concrete example of the government’s commitment towards cleaner transport and a cleaner environment.
“Not only will this service help Valletta become more accessible but it is another link in the environment friendly measures that will help improve the quality of our lives,” said Mr Mugliett.
The initiative forms part of a project that includes the Park and Ride system and Controlled Vehicular Access (CVA).