MAJOR Proposals to Reshape Malta’s Transport Landscape Launched by Transport Minster

Nov 2 2024

This morning, Transport Minister Chris Bonett, along with the local government, launched an extensive transport reform campaign titled ‘Reshaping Our Mobility’. The initiative outlines a six-pillar proposal approach aimed at tackling Malta’s complex transport and mobility challenges. With Malta’s vehicle density among the highest in Europe, the campaign seeks to address pressing issues across sustainable mobility, 24-hour economy, vehicle control, parking, public transport, and roadworks coordination.

1. Sustainable Mobility
In line with increasing trends toward eco-friendly transport, Malta plans to launch a National Cycling Strategy, expand the bicycle road network, and introduce “walking school buses” to encourage healthy and sustainable transport options.

2. 24-Hour Economy
New peak hour guidelines were set for weekdays (6-9 a.m. and 4-7 p.m.) and Saturdays (9 a.m.-12 p.m.) for both public and private sectors. This aims to optimize traffic flow during the busiest times, ensuring a smoother commute for the public.

3. Vehicle Management
With over 440,000 vehicles on the road, the government has announced the Employee Transportation Deduction Act, incentivizing citizens to reduce car usage. Plans also include promoting youth away from obtaining driving licenses and limiting private car use to off-peak hours.

4. Parking Solutions
To tackle Malta’s parking shortages, the campaign introduces new park-and-ride facilities in commercial areas, additional public parking spaces, and digital solutions to make parking more accessible.

5. Enhanced Public Transport
Immediate plans include new bus routes to industrial zones, circular routes for major localities, and direct buses for shorter commutes. A national route map revision is also set to ensure optimal service and coverage.

6. Improved Roadworks Coordination
A new Roadworks Coordination Committee will oversee infrastructure projects, ensuring a smoother, unified approach to minimise disruption.

Consultation on these proposals will conclude by Q4 2024, with implementations rolling out from Q3 2026.

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“Brat” Declared Collins Dictionary’s 2024 Word of the Year

Nov 1 2024

The Collins Dictionary has chosen “brat” as its 2024 Word of the Year, a term that gained global popularity as the title of Charli XCX’s sixth studio album. Defined by Collins as embodying “a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude,” the word evolved into a lifestyle trend known as “brat summer,” which Collins called “one of the most talked about words of 2024.”

Collins noted that “brat” transcended its musical roots to become a global phenomenon. “Brat summer” emerged as an aesthetic and mindset, particularly resonant among younger generations. The selection process, which draws on a 20-billion-word database, highlights terms that reflect the dynamic nature of the English language.

Other noteworthy words on Collins’ 2024 list include “era,” referring to a distinct period in one’s life and inspired by Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, and “anti-tourism,” which captures the movement against mass tourism. Additional entries include “delulu,” describing an unrealistic mindset, and “rawdogging,” meaning to take a long-haul flight without digital distractions.

Alex Beecroft, Collins’ managing director, emphasized the influence of Gen Z and Alpha in popularizing these terms, calling it “the most ‘brat’ Word of the Year list ever.”

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2 Men Injured After Lift They Were Working On Fell

Nov 1 2024

Today, at around 1130hrs, police were informed that their assistance as needed in a barn in Triq is-Sebh, Hal Qormi.

Investigations showed that two workers – a 24 year old Gambian man resident of Hal Tarxien and a 66 year old Maltese resident of Santa Venera – were doing maintenance works on a lift when it suddenly fell.

Civil Protection Department officers and a medical team were called on site and the two were rescued from the lift.

The two were taken to Mater Dei Hospital and they were later certified as having suffered grievous injuries.

Investigations by the Authority for Workplace Health and Safety and police are ongoing.

#MaltaDaily

Weekend Plans? Cloudy Days Ahead

Nov 1 2024

As Halloween celebrations continue, the weather forecast over Malta seems to be sunny and partly cloudy. With many taking off days, the weather will seemingly accompany these coming days away from work.

Although temperatures are still relatively high as we’re nearing to November, the wind will make the evenings feel a bit cooler.

Have you got any plans for the weekend?

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