To a non-green person, such a statement may sound bizarre or just an election promise. In order to improve the transport system, a non-green might think merely in terms of building new roads and car parks – all of which have been proved to increase rather than reduce traffic congestion.

To a green person, improving the ecological efficiency of land and marine public transport system is a must. The European Local Council Agreement places strong emphasis on the restructure of the public transport system in European cities with a view to reducing pollution and energy waste while rendering it more sustainable and providing a better service to the citizens at the same time.

We at Alternattiva Demokratika truly believe that it would be a major step forward if all 14 Gozitan mayors sign the ELCA.

Gozo now has a golden opportunity to reduce pollution caused by the present public transport system, both by sea and on land, and at the same time provide an excellent service that makes sense, in line with today’s needs.

The reform of the public transport system in Gozo should ensure that all public transport vehicles, including buses and minibuses, are powered by hydrogen, methane gas or electrical energy to reduce air pollution, which is causing so much harm to people’s health. It is a pity that bio-diesel is still not available on what is supposed to be the eco-island of Gozo.

Victor Galea

Alternattiva Demokratika

Gozo