Underground tunnels and trams to battle traffic proposed by PN

Feb 24 2022

As part of their election pledges, the Nationalist Party has proposed a network of underground tunnels in order to tackle Malta’s traffic problem at its roots.

This was coupled with the concept of a trackless tram which passes across all of Malta should the Opposition be elected into government.

As part of its manifesto, the PN proposed a state of the art mass transport system which will use a circular route using reserved lanes to pass through arterial and distribution roads.

With the aim of this being to make better use of road space to ensure that the system is fast, efficient, and reliable, the PN said that the routes and funding have already been established and could be operable within a few months.

These proposals were both accompanied by other concepts such as the investment of a system which informs drivers in advance of traffic accidents, a bicycle-encouraging programme as well as solar car parks.

The plans are a direct response to a proposed Metro system in Malta, which the PN criticised due to it costing billions and posing environmental costs.

The Trackless Tram is already used worldwide in countries such as China. It uses technology to help the trams navigate a virtual track, and helping to ensure that it does not encounter traffic. This, Bernard Grech said, is still not enough and the party seeks to address it through buses or similar vehicles to increase connectivity with residential areas, centres and hubs.

Employers will be incentivised to adopt measures which reduce congestion and attract more people towards public transport.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: Bernard Grech

Transport Malta official arrested over sexual harassment; Cassola claims “turning a blind eye”

Feb 24 2022

A Transport Malta official has been arrested as is currently being questioned after multiple female co-workers claimed cases of sexual harassment.

The arrest follows Arnold Cassola’s publishing of an open letter to Prime Minister Robert Abela outlining what is being called a systematic cover-up of the official’s behaviour.

The official in question is reported to have close ties to the Labour Party, with Cassola stating that there was knowledge of the ongoing sexual harassment, with the information being reportedly covered up. Cassola went on to claim that “it is disgusting that politicians turn a blind eye to what is happening under their noses.”

What do you make of this?

#MaltaDaily

Arrigo calls on Bernard Grech, Adrian Delia & David Agius to show that “the party is not divided”

Feb 24 2022

During this evening’s extraordinary general council meeting, the Nationalist Party’s Robert Arrigo called current leader Bernard Grech, former leader Adrian Delia and deputy leader David Agius on stage to show that “the party is not divided.”

“I’m going to offer you a brief moment of discomfort,” Arrigo said before calling the current and former party leaders on stage. Speculation on a divide between them has been going on since the end of Adrian Delia’s term as party leader.

Arrigo called upon the three to approach the stage to show a moment of unity amongst party members before going on to highlight the importance of unity within the party. He concluding by stating that he is often associated with money and finance, appealing to PN councillors and followers to give their contribution to the party ahead of the March 26 election.

#MaltaDaily

Political parties which get at least 5% of votes to get at least one seat in Parliament, PN proposes

Feb 24 2022

During its extraordinary general council meeting this evening, the Nationalist Party has unveiled its latest proposal which states that political parties which get 5% or more of all votes will get at least one seat in Malta’s parliament.

Malta’s current electoral rules dictate that candidates are elected if they receive a certain amount of votes within their district. This change in the electoral system will benefit smaller parties who, in the past, have managed to ensure at least 5 per cent of votes but failed to get enough district votes to secure a seat in parliament.

In their electoral manifesto, the PN also proposed a number of other changes which include a pledge to add 50,000 square metres of Outside Development Zone (ODZ) per year, highlighting their stand against the ‘exaggerated’ development in Malta.

What do you make of these proposals?

#MaltaDaily