Transport Minister Chris Bonett on Tuesday called for a bipartisan effort to develop a national mass transport system that he said would transform mobility for generations.
Speaking during his ministry's budget estimates in a morning session in parliament, Bonett criticised the amount of time wasted on petty arguments.
"This would be the largest infrastructure project since independence. Let's sit down together and stop arguing about who missed a deadline or who had the idea first. This project should have started 25 years ago," he said.
Bonett explained that his ministry is working with international consultancy firm Arup on a metro proposal costing under €3 billion. Unlike the government's 2021 underground-only plan estimated at €6 billion, the new version would combine both underground and aboveground routes.
He said the project is entering an important new stage, with ongoing studies on commercial feasibility and geology. However, he did not specify when the final plans will be completed or published.
Bonett noted that developing a mass transport system will require changes to laws and planning policies. "A lot of preparatory work is needed before construction can begin," he said, adding that consultations with experts and communities will take place.
He appealed to the Opposition to work together, stressing that such a long-term project should not become a political football. "I extend my hand to the Opposition-let us not be Nationalists or Labourites on this, let us be Maltese," he said.
His remarks echoed those of Opposition leader Alex Borg, who recently proposed a memorandum of understanding between government and opposition to ensure long-term continuity of the transport project.
Finance Minister Clyde Caruana has warned that the metro would be an expensive undertaking that could bankrupt the country unless both sides agree on policies discouraging excessive car use.
Bonett also said the government will not wait for the metro to tackle traffic problems. He announced new investments in sea transport as an alternative mode of travel between coastal towns.
Next year, a ferry service will be introduced between Sliema and Buġibba, with another link planned between Marsaskala, Valletta, and Buġibba.
Opposition transport spokesperson Toni Bezzina criticised the government for lacking a plan to address what he called a "traffic crisis," blaming it on the influx of foreign workers. He said millions had been wasted on transport studies that produced no tangible results, and reminded parliament that before the 2022 general election, the Nationalist Party had proposed a more efficient alternative transport plan largely fundable through EU funds. He urged that the Opposition be included as an equal partner in consultations.
Shadow infrastructure minister Bernard Grech added that Malta needs an integrated national infrastructure plan with strategic coordination at all levels. He insisted that the government has a duty to ensure every cent of public money is well spent.