Let me take you back to 2019, when a leading economist addressed the social partners during a presentation that generated considerable attention. Reports at the time highlighted that cost-benefit analyses commissioned by Infrastructure Malta estimated that seven road projects, backed by an investment of €140 million, would generate more than €1.2 billion in economic benefits for Malta. On paper, the projections appeared extremely encouraging.
The analysis combined projected travel time savings across the road network with a range of both measurable and less tangible benefits. These included reduced costs for families and businesses, fewer accidents and their impact on workforce productivity, as well as significant improvements in air quality.
Given this, it would be worth commissioning a similar analysis today to evaluate the actual outcomes. Alternatively, a simple walkabout might already provide enough insight to challenge both the costs and the benefits stemming from the seven road projects.
Mass transport has long been a recurring issue on the national agenda, often resurfacing with greater intensity during election campaigns. For daily commuters, traffic congestion remains one of the most persistent problems, where even a minor collision can trigger widespread delays across the road network.
Ahead of the last general election, the governing party strongly promoted the concept of a mass transport system, giving it significant visibility - including a public display near the entrance to the capital city. This created the impression that plans were already well developed and ready for implementation upon re-election. However, critics contended that the initiative seemed more focused on optics than on firm, actionable commitments.
As the general election approaches, the project appears very unpredictable. While the prime minister had previously suggested that the initiative would proceed under a renewed mandate, the minister responsible for public finances has recently expressed great caution. These differing positions risk fuelling public doubt about the project's seriousness and feasibility. Simultaneously Transport Malta has announced "Malta in Motion" to further compound matters and confusion.
Meanwhile, the Opposition leader has pledged to introduce Malta's first part of mass transportation system within the first term in office. Although ambitious, such a goal may be achievable with robust planning and the right technical expertise. What is clear, however, is that Malta can no longer sustain the daily burden of severe traffic congestion. Commuters lose valuable time stuck in traffic, often exposed to high levels of emissions, while businesses face rising costs due to delays in transport and logistics.
The introduction of free public bus services has been broadly welcomed, but it has also brought challenges. Increased demand - partly driven by demographic changes - has placed additional strain on the system. At the same time, reliance on private vehicles remains high, limiting the overall effectiveness of the initiative.
A more sustainable way forward may depend on a bipartisan national agreement that ensures that this major infrastructure project is guided by a long-term vision extending beyond electoral cycles as recommended by the PN leader. Such an approach would provide the continuity required for a project of this scale and complexity.
To support this, responsibility could be assigned to an independent authority composed of experts in engineering, urban planning, and finance. Members would be nominated by major political parties and appointed following thorough scrutiny by the Public Appointments Committee of the House of Representatives. They would serve fixed terms of at least five years, with the possibility of renewal. Clear terms of reference and agreed deliverables. The Malta Council for Economic and Social Development should be kept fully informed prior to the commencement of the project and provided with regular updates on its progress and developments.
Ultimately, Malta must move beyond repetitive political debate and focus on delivering real progress. For residents, this means improving quality of life and placing well-being at the centre of policymaking. For visitors to Malta and Gozo, it means offering a transport system that is efficient, reliable, and well-organised - rather than one defined by congestion and disorder.
Gejtu Vella
People & Industrial Relations Consultant