Opposition Leader Bernard Grech today presented proposals which incentivize better transport and mobility within the country, particularly with the introduction of a trackless tram, as an alternative to the metro the Labour party has proposed.
Speaking in a press conference on Friday, Grech said that the trackless tram network will cost €2.8 billion, contrary to what he said is the ‘unaffordable’ metro of €6.2 billion. This will be completed within one legislature, whereas the metro was promised to be completed within 20 years, he said. The trackless tram will reach 48 localities, covering 173 kilometres.
Grech said it will ensure fewer cars on the roads, less noise and air pollution as well as ensuring efficiency and punctuality.
Among the other proposals of the PN was a grant of €10,000 over five years to encourage more families to get rid of their old vehicle, provided they do not get another vehicle during the period.
The PN will implement an extensive program throughout Malta and Gozo to ensure that electric vehicles have fast charging stations at a maximum driving distance of 2km.
The rate electricity for charging electric vehicles will also be reduced by 20%, from 13c to 10c at any time of day.
Grech also pledged a national programme aimed at incentivizing and facilitating the use of bicycles as a regular means of transport, with the goal that in five years about 10% of trips in Malta would be made by cycling.
He said that this will be done through health and safety measures for cyclists as well as the design of perpetual routes on a network of roads that allow the use of bicycles. Legislative changes and the provision of public infrastructure and incentives for cyclists will also be done under a PN government.
Asked by this newsroom whether the trackless tram is the solution for less road accidents and fatalities, Grech pledged to increase road safety and standards for road construction to reduce danger on the road. The trackless tram will incentivize for the drastic reduction of cars on the road, he said.