Maltese NGOs Slam Proposal To Cut Free Transport For Foreign Workers

Four Maltese NGOs have strongly opposed a proposal to remove free public transport for third-country nationals, describing the measure as discriminatory, unjust and unlikely to improve Malta’s public transport services.

In a joint statement, Moviment Graffitti, Rota, Friends of the Earth Malta and Solidarjetà agree that a two-tiered transport system that forces some of the country’s lowest-paid workers to pay for a service that remains free for other residents is an unjust form of institutionalised discrimination and mobility injustice.

They have called on the Government to reconsider the proposal, insisting that public policies should provide equal services to everyone, regardless of nationality.

The NGOs also highlight the difference between tourists and foreign residents, saying that while asking visitors to contribute towards the costs of their stay may be reasonable, charging workers who already contribute to the country is unfair.

They further warned that the measure would do little to tackle Malta’s overcrowding and unreliable transport problems. Instead, they suggest improving bus frequency, reliability and comfort to encourage more people to leave their cars at home.

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Photo Source: Malta Public Transport