During a press conference, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works, Chris Bonett, announced that within the first three months since the launch of the ‘Reshaping Our Mobility’ initiative, several targets have already been met.
Among these initiatives, agreements have been signed to carry out cleaning, road maintenance, and road marking outside peak hours (6–9am and 3–7pm on weekdays, 9am–1pm on Saturdays).
The bus service has been extended to industrial areas, boosting passenger numbers to around 16,000 journeys so far. Several routes have been improved, with increased frequency on the busiest ones. Soon, a new Park and Ride will open in Raħal Ġdid, alongside circular bus services connecting Raħal Ġdid with Ħaż-Żebbuġ and Siġġiewi.
A cash grant scheme for motorcycles, including petrol models, has been launched, along with an early scrappage scheme for older vehicles. The government will also soon introduce a national cycling strategy and seek innovative digital parking solutions.
Minister Bonett explained that all these measures aim to improve infrastructure use and travel habits. Minister Bonnett said, “As a government, we are working to offer incentives and viable alternatives to encourage a shift in mindset, so more people use alternative modes of transport. In the coming weeks and months, we will continue to build on the significant work already done to meet our target of implementing all measures within the stipulated timeframe.”
The conference was held alongside Transport Malta CEO Kurt Farrugia and Infrastructure Malta CEO Steve Ellul.
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One turtle called ‘Polly Ċensa’ weighed 70kg and had been treated after swallowing a fishing line and hook last year. The other turtle, named ‘Duka’, got caught in some fishing ropes but healed quickly because the cuts were not very deep.