The transportation situation in Malta has long been a source of debate.

Most, if not all, people agree with the suggestion that, with almost a car per person registered in Malta, there are simply too many cars for such a small country.  However, the disagreement begins when it comes to the solutions for reducing this car dependency.

Thus far, the government’s solution – through Infrastructure Malta – has largely been reserved to the widening, such as in Tal-Balal, or the replanning of larger road networks through a combination of flyovers or new roads altogether – such as the Marsa Junction and the Central Link project respectively.

There has been criticism on an environmental front, which has been well-documented, but there has also been criticism on the sustainability front: a not-so-small segment of the population argue that simply widening roads and creating such new networks is just delaying the inevitable gridlock that the country will face if car dependency isn’t reduced.

There has also been criticism that the current improvements do not do enough to make alternative means of transport more attractive: cyclists for instance have lamented at the sporadic nature of cycling infrastructure – illustrated through lanes which start, then end suddenly – and also the apparent shifting by the wayside of the National Cycling Strategy, which was announced over two years ago.

One of the long-term solutions seen for Malta’s impending doom by traffic jams is an underground mass transport system.

The mock-ups – in particular those by architect Konrad Xuereb – frequently do the rounds, and appeals are frequently made, and the government has always simply said that they are carrying out studies.

Now, we have finally had an update. In an interview with The Malta Independent on Sunday, Transport Minister Ian Borg said that the studies into the idea – a light rail, underground, mass transport system – have been concluded and have now been sent to other ministries for consideration.

There are various things to consider on this project.  The first is the cost aspect.  This will no doubt be an expensive project – most probably the most expensive project ever embarked upon in Malta’s history. 

However, the project cannot simply be seen from a cost aspect – when looking at the financials, one must also take into consideration the money being saved on things related to pollution, such as, for instance, health expenses saved through a reduction in illnesses related to air pollution, which logically would decrease if such a system is introduced and car dependency decreases.

There are other aspects to consider though. For instance, how will the building of such a system affect properties?  Will property value in areas where stations would be built decrease?  Will Maltese properties – given past history of collapses – even be able to withstand the intense excavations needed for such a system?  These are all questions one must consider.

The final point is the Malta to Gozo tunnel. We know that the current plans for the tunnel include no provision for such a mass transport system – in fact they include provisions for cars and cars alone. So, a major question is how the mass transportation system would connect to Gozo – or even if it will connect at all.

This is a project which will no doubt prove to be one of the defining debates for Malta’s long-term future.  As things stand, we look forward to the release of the studies which have been conducted – only then can a full stance on this project be taken.  However, what is certain is that something needs to be done to reduce Malta’s car dependency – and that this may prove to be the best way to do it.