Road transport constitutes the highest proportion of overall transport emissions; in 2020 alone, it emitted over 70% of all EU transport greenhouse gasses.

The milestones ahead of us are clear. 

We know what needs to be done, and we are committed and engaged in making the decisions necessary to meet the transport needs of all in a low-carbon manner.

This requires integration across road, aviation, ferry, and maritime modes, as well as the integration of science, technology, and innovation to bring about formative changes to the transport system.

I addressed an important conference organised by Transport Malta on Sustainable Transport: Adaptation and Resilience in the Maltese Islands. It was a constructive and productive event during which we heard inspiring examples of progress made towards the decarbonisation of our transport system, but also learned about the daunting challenges that we still face and the next steps ahead.

During my speech, I explained that, as a country, Malta is already making significant progress in shifting towards more sustainable practices in many aspects, no less in the way people and goods are moved. Climate neutrality by 2050 remains the ultimate goal for all EU member states and we are setting the path to this milestone through realistic, achievable and holistic efforts.

The development of guiding policies is one example. The Transport Strategy 2050 and the Low-Carbon Development Strategy, the National Energy and Climate Plan, the Sustainable Development Vision for 2050 all work towards targets to uphold Malta’s GHG emission commitments and to move towards less congestion, better quality of life, better air quality and more environmentally friendly transportation methods.

We also have big plans for the future. Our recently-announced plan for active mobility routes clearly signifies a commitment towards a modal shift, a culture change, a transformation in the way we move, and the infrastructure to complement it.

We recognise that Malta’s share of final energy consumption in transport is higher than the EU average and that the road sector is a major contributor.

As a government, we are therefore investing heavily in this sector and looking towards an accelerated green transition.

This is complemented by the revision of the Transport Master Plan, which shall take us to 2030 and which shall incorporate Sustainable Urban Mobility and Sustainable Urban Logistic Plans for the whole of Malta and Gozo, which are presently being developed by Transport Malta with the support of DG Reform.

We understand that the transition to achieving sustainable, resilient, and smart mobility requires financial support. Recognising the crucial role of the transport sector in this process, over one-third of Malta’s Recovery and Resilience Fund targets carbon neutrality.

Malta has allocated millions -- approx. €100 million -- to accelerate its electrification of road transport. In March of this year, Transport Malta launched another eight grants encouraging cleaner as well as alternative modes of transport. We are also offering more financial incentives to encourage vehicle owners to purchase new, low-emission, and more environmentally friendly vehicles, or to convert their current vehicle to a cleaner one. This is in addition to the introduction of the first electric busses and our pledge to invest €35 million to provide a safe alternative option to the private vehicle.

We also recently launched a scheme where two local banks will be providing interest-free loans for the purchase of electric vehicles and other environmentally friendly equipment. It will facilitate the role of the transport sector to be a major contributor in favour of the ecological transition that Malta is undergoing while complementing the attractive grants for the purchase of electric and hybrid vehicles.

These investments are supported by the better use and upgrades currently underway in our ports. The ongoing shore-to-ship project will see a reduction of pollution in our ports, and the upgrading of the ferry landing sites introduces safer infrastructure for passengers of this alternative mode of public transport between Cospicua, Sliema, and Valletta.

An increased focus is also being put on the transport challenges on our sister island of Gozo. We announced an extended schedule for the Fast Ferry service to offer the service with a schedule intended to serve primarily Gozitan workers and students. By making this service more accessible, we are encouraging commuters from Gozo to opt for alternative modes to the private vehicle.

We need to continue to strive to increase sustainability in transport. It is essential to maintain this momentum. Collaboration among all stakeholders is crucial, and by investing in more solutions, implementing our measures and policies, and promoting alternative modes of transport, we can create a greener, more efficient, and  sustainable transport system that benefits all people.

Aaron Farrugia is Minister of Transport and Infrastructure