While in Brussels, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg presented to European Commissioner Adina Valean with studies which were commissioned for the Maltese Government regarding mass transport.
Minister Ian Borg explained that in recent years, during this legislature, the Maltese Government promised the people a study aiming to explore the possibility of having mass transport for the first time in our country. He said that the government has hired ARUP given their high expertise on the subject to determine the best means of mass transport for Malta, and their choice was a metro.
Ian Borg explained that a national discussion on the subject is currently underway in Malta through which the government will be deciding on the way forward.
“We have presented a concrete plan to our people and as a government we are listening to what people and even organisations have to say on the subject. Our goal is for the consultation to be open and for everyone to share their thoughts so that we can evaluate and work towards the future of this country with regards to land transport”, said Ian Borg.
In response to this report, the European Commissioner for Transport Adina Valean explained that the European Commission welcomes such a detailed study also due to the fact that it is clear that the Maltese Government is exploring all possibilities to further make the transport sector more sustainable. Commissioner Valean also discussed with the Maltese delegation the work being done by the Maltese authorities to incentivise the use of electric vehicles and alternative transport, including sea transport.
Other topics were discussed during the same meeting including the infrastructural work being done in Malta and Malta’s commitment to the sea and air transport sectors.
In Brussels Minister Ian Borg together with the Maltese delegation also met with the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, the European Business Aviation Association, and the European Community Shipowners’ Association.
Source: Office of the Prime Minister