In the past 5 years the University of Malta has seen a major increase of students applying for parking permits on campus.
In 2018, 5,556 students applied for a parking permit whilst this year almost six years later a total of 6,832 students have applied for a permit meaning a whopping increase of around 1,300 student drivers in six years.
According to research done by MKSA (Media and Knowledge Science Association) a fifth of students with a parking permit live only within a 2km radius from campus.
MKSA concerned with this increase in parking permits due to it meaning a further surge in traffic and making the parking situation at University even more frustrating , decided to combat the problem by inviting students to join them in their final event for Earth Month and cycle it to university.
The organization is also teaming up with independent Ħaż-Żebbuġ local councillor Steve Zammit Lupi and another nine organizations to organize a ‘Bicycle Bus’ on the 10th of April. The event will pass through Mosta and Birkirkara, the two towns with the reported highes amount of student drivers.
The Bicycle Bus will depart at 7am sharp from Mosta Square. Its route will include stops at Technopark, Birkirkara Smart, Birkirkara McDonald’s, Birkirkara Church, Mater Dei Hospital, and will conclude at University Gateway.
For those interested in joining but don’t have a bicycle, MKSA is offering 20 bicycles for rent at absolutely no cost. To secure one of these bicycles, individuals must make an online reservation. Rentals will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants must also meet the association at Mosta Square at 7am to collect their reserved bicycle.
