The government is continuing its transport shake-up with the announcement of four new Park & Ride (P&R) facilities — part of a broader strategy to reduce cars on the road and ease pressure during peak hours.

Transport Minister Chris Bonett revealed the plans during the same national conference where he introduced a wave of traffic-busting reforms, including a €25,000 car-free grant, youth scooter schemes, vintage vehicle reforms, and motorcycle incentives.

The new P&R facilities will be located in:

– Ta’ Qali

– Paola

– Bormla (planned, but delayed)

– Pembroke

These new hubs will complement existing P&R facilities, with expanded connectivity and services reaching nearby areas such as Mosta, Qormi, and Rabat, the latter two of which will be serviced via the Ta’ Qali hub.

The Paola Park & Ride will be the first to launch, making use of the Addolorata area, which is currently underutilised on weekdays. A circular shuttle bus will connect the site directly to Paola Square, offering commuters a practical way to avoid town centre traffic.

The Pembroke P&R will help ease congestion into St Julian’s and Sliema, while Ta’ Qali will serve as a major northern hub, offering shuttle routes to the University, Mater Dei Hospital, central areas and the south.

Minister Bonett explained that while most of the new P&R facilities are expected to be ready within the next 18 months, Bormla’s project may take longer due to complex planning requirements and permits — so no firm timeline has been set for its completion.

In addition to the new Park & Rides, the government will also begin opening up government properties for public parking, including:

Allowing parking at government sites after hours, starting with Transport Malta

Identifying additional public sites to be gradually made available for public use

Bonett said that Park & Ride systems abroad have proven to reduce traffic when implemented properly, especially when supported by frequent shuttle services.

#MaltaDaily