Alex Borg: Malta’s Light Rail Plan ‘Not Fit for Purpose’
Alex Borg: ‘Light Rail is a White Elephant Malta Can’t Afford’
Standing at the bustling junction of Triq il-Mediterran in Msida, Alex Borg looks around, his gaze settling on the buses rumbling past. “This,” he says, gesturing at the traffic, “is what we need to fix.” Borg, a veteran transport engineer and former director at Malta’s Transport Ministry, is not mincing words. He’s talking about the proposed light rail project, a €2.5 billion plan that’s been a political hot potato for years.
From Tramways to Buses: Malta’s Transport Evolution
Malta’s transport history is a tale of evolution, from horse-drawn carriages to trams, and now, buses. The last tram chugged along our streets in 1931. In the 1970s, buses took over, and despite criticisms, they’ve been the backbone of our public transport system ever since. Borg argues that instead of replacing buses with light rail, we should be improving the existing system.
“Buses can be made more efficient,” he says, “with better routes, more frequent services, and improved infrastructure. We’ve seen it work in other cities. Why not here?”
Light Rail: The Costs and Questions
The light rail project, Borg believes, is a costly distraction. “We’re talking about €2.5 billion for a system that will only serve a fraction of the population. And that’s not including the ongoing maintenance costs.” He questions the project’s feasibility, given our island’s size and population density. “Is it really the best use of our resources?”
Borg raises concerns about the environmental impact. “We’re tearing up roads, disrupting traffic, and all for what? A system that, in my opinion, won’t significantly reduce emissions or ease congestion.”
Borg isn’t alone in his skepticism. Environmental groups and some politicians have also raised concerns about the project’s cost, environmental impact, and whether it’s the best solution for Malta’s transport needs.
Alex Borg’s Alternative Vision
Instead of light rail, Borg proposes a comprehensive bus reform. “Improve our bus services, integrate them with other transport modes, and make them attractive to users. That’s the way forward.” He envisions a future where buses are comfortable, frequent, and reliable, serving all parts of Malta.
“We need to look at what works elsewhere,” he says, “and adapt it to our needs. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel. We just need to make our existing system work better.”
