During a press conference in Gozo, Prime Minister Robert Abela, Minister for the Economy Silvio Schembri, and the Cabinet of Ministers unveiled the Malta Vision 2050 — a national strategy outlining the country’s long-term goals following wide consultation with key stakeholders.

A major highlight of the strategy is the commitment to introduce a green mass transportation system to complement the existing public transport. This marks another chapter in Malta’s long-standing promise to upgrade its national transport network, including previous proposals for a metro system.

Over the years, various governments have hinted at major infrastructure projects, including underground metro routes and light rail systems, but none have materialised. Despite studies and public interest, Malta remains one of the few EU countries without a form of mass transit beyond buses.

According to the government, new studies are currently underway to identify the best and most sustainable model for Malta. The Vision 2050 strategy states that the government is committed to making mass transport a reality within the next 25 years.

Malta’s car culture has been a major contributor to its chronic traffic issues. With one of the highest rates of car ownership in Europe, traffic congestion, lack of parking, and increased emissions remain daily challenges for both residents and businesses.

If delivered, a green mass transport system could mark a turning point — offering a reliable alternative to cars, reducing pollution, and easing pressure on the island’s roads.

#MaltaDaily

During a press conference in Gozo, Prime Minister Robert Abela, Economy Minister Silvio Schembri, and the Cabinet of Ministers unveiled the Mission Statement and Strategic Pillars of Malta Vision 2050 — a national roadmap built after extensive consultation with key stakeholders.

One of the standout proposals is the deployment of drones to reduce road congestion and optimise delivery systems. With two Maltese companies already in the testing phase, the move aims to shift part of the country’s growing delivery load from road to air.

Malta has long struggled with traffic. With one of the highest car-to-person ratios in the EU, its roads are often gridlocked, particularly during peak hours. The rise of delivery services has only added to the pressure.

The Vision 2050 strategy sees drone technology as a tool to ease this burden. By reducing the number of delivery vans on the roads, drones could cut congestion, lower emissions, and speed up services — especially in urban hubs like Valletta and Sliema.

This idea is already being tested abroad. In Switzerland, drones have been used to transport medical supplies between hospitals in Zurich, while in the US, test flights have successfully delivered lab samples and essentials in traffic-heavy areas.

While challenges remain — from airspace regulations to privacy concerns — the potential impact is significant. If successful, Malta could become one of the first in the region to fully integrate drones into its national delivery network, paving the way for a smarter, less congested future.

#MaltaDaily