Alternattiva Demokratika yesterday launched a series of short and long term proposals yesterday to improve the mobility and transport system in Malta and Gozo.
Speaking at a press conference, AD chairman Harry Vassallo said the two main political parties have sorely neglected the issue of public transport.
“While Malta has experienced considerable economic development ever since Independence, there has been almost no development in mobility,” he said.
One of the proposals put forward by AD is that the government removes all taxes and licences on low-powered motorcycles to encourage more people to use them.
However, said AD Environment and Energy spokesperson Ralph Cassar, as a safety measure, the AD is also proposing a nationwide expansion of special lanes.
“Both these proposals should encourage people, particularly youths, to adopt this mode of transportation, which will become both safer and affordable,” he said.
Dr Vassallo also said that another proposal that can be implemented in the short-term is the introduction of free weekly and monthly bus passes for all those who do not have a driving licence and those who are willing to give it up.
Another medium-term proposal that can be done over a period of five years is for the next government to embark on a serious expansion and upgrading of public transport, he said.
“This should be done through a liberalisation process that includes public transport, and even taxis,” said Mr Cassar.
There is no reason why public transport should remain in the hands of a public monopoly, he added.
Dr Vassallo said that new buses should work on clean fuels such as gas and electricity, adding that it is a shame that the government recently chose to buy old-technology diesel buses from China.
The AD chairman also called for the introduction of more residents parking schemes – especially after the success of the Controlled Vehicular Access in Valletta.
“Parking is always a problem and an efficient public transport system along with residents parking will help reduce this problem,” he said.
Speaking about the long-term proposals, Dr Vassallo said “what the Greens will bring to the next Parliament is a change in the political mindset”.
He said the government needs to think about the country’s needs and challenges in mobility for the next 20 years.
“We have to look at the country as though it is one town and come up with a system that can transport people from one side of the country to another in a very short time and at reasonable expense,” said Dr Vassallo.
He expressed his disappointment that the government did not consider making use of the connections project that would use water transport and reduce traffic in areas such as Marsa and Msida.
AD’s finance spokesperson Edward Fenech said these systems would require heavy investment.
“The AD is proposing that part of the reserves of the Central Bank should be earmarked for a long-term plan to improve mobility in the Maltese Islands,” he said.