The €25,000 incentive for individuals to give up their driving licence is still in the planning phase, with discussions ongoing to determine the most effective target age group, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, and Public Works Chris Bonett said on Monday.

Bonett provided the latest quarterly update on Malta's Reshaping our Mobility programme, calling for a long-term cultural shift away from car dependency.

He made it clear that this incentive will not be available to everyone from the start, but rather introduced as a pilot project. "This won't be instantly open for everyone," he said, stressing the importance of reaching the right demographic to make the measure meaningful. The goal is to ensure the scheme genuinely impacts the intended group and encourages a long-term shift away from car dependence, he said.

During the press conference, the minister also addressed the need for a culture change. He said that the government is committed to influencing behaviour - especially among youths - to adopt more sustainable travel habits. "The change we need will not be overnight", Bonett said. "But we must begin by shifting how we use cars in Malta. Young people are still eager to get their licence the moment they turn 18. We want to show them there are other ways - better, greener ways to move around."

This press conference marks the second event since the launch of the Reshaping Our Mobility initiative, which was announced on 29 March 2025, he said. Designed as an 18-month national plan, the strategy is centred around reducing congestion, promoting alternative modes of transportation, and improving infrastructure coordination. Updates are being delivered every three months to ensure transparency and to track progress.

Over the past quarter, a number of measures have already been implemented, he said. Several Memorandums of Understanding were signed with local councils to provide free public services such as road cleaning and landscaping. These activities are now being carried out outside peak hours to ensure minimal disruption to traffic.

The public transport service Servizz tal-Linja recorded over 16,000 trips in recent months, with new and upgraded routes-such as those in Ħal Far-helping to reduce waiting times and improve commuter experience, he said.

Better coordination in road construction has also been prioritised, the minister said. A new training programme, TRL, was introduced across entities involved in infrastructure projects to ensure smoother communication and scheduling. This aims to prevent overlapping works and reduce unnecessary traffic blockages. In parallel, a new grant scheme for motorcycle users has been launched, giving €1,000 to anyone who purchases a non- electrical motorcycle, providing an affordable and space-saving alternative to cars, the minister said.

The minister said that several new measures will be rolled out in the coming days. This Thursday, the Park and Ride facility in Paola will be officially launched, accompanied  by a new circular bus route serving Paola, and a new route connecting Siġġiewi. On 9 July, the government will also launch the Environmental Cycle initiative, further reinforcing its focus on sustainable mobility.

As the third quarter begins, more initiatives are set to be introduced. Public-serving government services will begin their operations after 9a.m , reducing the strain on roads during morning peak hours. A key study on cargo ferry connections between the Freeport and Gozo's freight port is due to be completed in this period, aiming to strengthen logistics and reduce road haulage, he said. Meanwhile, the Park and Ride project at Ta' Qali is entering its final stages, set to offer another vital alternative to car use, he said.

Transport Malta is also preparing to implement new Standard Operating Procedures for roadworks, intended to standardise and streamline construction-related disruptions, the minister explained. Additionally, a Government Green Travel Policy will be launched, outlining a clear strategy for encouraging environmentally friendly commuting within the public sector, and eventually extending to private organisations, Bonett said.

Minister Bonett concluded by saying that this transformation is about more than just roads and policies-it is about a change in how people think and behave. "We are laying the groundwork for a long-term cultural shift. It's not just about providing better services, but about inspiring people to make different choices. A future that's less car-dependent is possible, but we must work together to build it."

Minister Chris Bonett addressed concerns about the current crash barriers, clarifying that while he never explicitly claimed that they are "safe", they have passed all required audit tests. He emphasised that the barriers meet the established standards and that Infrastructure Malta continues to monitor the situation closely and is actively working on related improvements. Discussions and technical assessments are ongoing to determine what further action, if any, is needed.