Malta’s Traffic Chaos: Can Anyone Actually Fix It?!

Malta has been experiencing significant traffic chaos in recent weeks, as the return to school coincides with a series of other transport challenges across the island. In response, the country’s two main political parties have put forward differing proposals to tackle the long-standing congestion problem.

The Labour Party (PL) is backing a large-scale underground metro system, while the Nationalist Party (PN) is advocating a modern trackless tram network.

The Labour Party, has revived plans for an underground metro a project described as a long-term solution for Malta’s transport challenges.

The proposed system would include three lines spanning 35 kilometres and 25 stations, most of which would be underground to reduce environmental impact.

Estimated to cost €6.2 billion, the metro is expected to take up to 20 years to complete. The government says the project would reduce road congestion, cut carbon emissions, and form the backbone of a modern public transport system.

In contrast, The Nationalist Party’s vision argues that a trackless tram, or bus rapid transit system, would be a more practical and cost-effective alternative.

The PN’s plan envisions six circular lines connecting 45 localities, operating 24 hours a day with nine hubs, 13 interchanges, and 47 stops. The fully electric system would run on dedicated lanes, costing around €2.8 billion, and could be completed within five years of a PN government taking office.

Borg recently reiterated his support for the proposal, stating, “A tram is easier, costs less and has a lower infrastructural impact than a metro. We had already proposed a tram system in the past; it’s easier to be done and would take less time.”

He also noted that Malta remains one of the only European countries without a mass transport system, criticising the government for the lack of progress on the metro plan.

“The Prime Minister always mentions it when an election is coming, but so far there’s a massive gap between words and facts. One must see what’s actually going to happen.”

Borg pledged that a future PN government would begin work on a mass transport system from day one, as part of a broader effort to alleviate Malta’s notorious traffic issues.

Both parties emphasise the need to integrate new infrastructure with existing transport services

#MaltaDaily