“Studies Still Underway” For Malta’s Mass Transport System, Says Minister Chris Bonett

Transport Minister Chris Bonett has insisted that there is no disagreement between himself and Finance Minister Clyde Caruana over the government’s proposed light-rail project.

In a lengthy Facebook post, Bonett published his full response to questions sent to him by Times of Malta following comments made by Caruana about the project.

Bonett claimed that attempts were once again being made to create a division between the two ministers, saying that both are “on the same page” when it comes to the proposed mass transport system.

“The studies are underway and on schedule according to the Malta in Motion plan I announced last April,” Bonett said.

He explained that once the studies, including the project’s financial models, are completed, they will be presented to Cabinet, which also includes the Finance Minister.

Bonett said Caruana’s position has remained consistent, with the Finance Minister maintaining that a final decision should only be taken once the figures and financial implications of the project are clear.

According to Bonett, this is the second consecutive pre-budget period in which Caruana has been asked about the light-rail proposal, only for subsequent reports to suggest there is tension between the two ministers.

“There is an outside effort to create a rift between me and Minister Caruana using words taken out of context,” Bonett said, adding that both ministers have become accustomed to such claims.

The Transport Minister also stressed that Malta’s current mass transport system needs to change, arguing that the country requires a more holistic solution.

He pointed out that the Malta in Motion plan, including the proposed light-rail system, formed part of the Labour Party’s 2026 election manifesto.

The light-rail proposal remains at study stage, with government yet to take a final decision on whether the project will move forward.

#MaltaDaily