PN Unveils €1.4B Metro Plan for Malta

Imagine this: you’re standing at the bustling Republic Street in Valletta, the sun is setting, and instead of the usual bus or car horns, you hear the hum of a metro train gliding into the station. This isn’t a scene from a futuristic film, but a vision that the Nationalist Party (PN) has for Malta’s public transport system. Today, PN leader Bernard Grech unveiled a €1.4 billion, five-year plan to revolutionize the way we get around our islands.

At the heart of PN’s plan is a new metro system, set to connect major urban centers like Sliema, Msida, Birkirkara, and Żabbar. The proposed network consists of three lines, with a total of 33 stations, aiming to transport up to 100,000 passengers daily. But this isn’t just about getting from A to B. Grech envisions a transport system that’s efficient, sustainable, and integrated with other public transport services.

“We want to create a transport system that works for everyone,” Grech said at the launch event held at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre. “A system that reduces traffic congestion, cuts down on emissions, and makes our daily commute less stressful.”

PN’s plan isn’t limited to just the metro. It also includes upgrades to Malta’s bus network, with the introduction of new, eco-friendly buses and the expansion of the bus network to reach more rural areas. The plan also includes a cycling revolution, with the development of a network of cycle lanes connecting towns and villages across Malta and Gozo.

But perhaps the most ambitious part of the plan is the proposed ferry service between Malta and Gozo. With a target of reducing the crossing time to just 15 minutes, this service aims to make the sister island more accessible, boosting tourism and economic activity on both islands.

The €1.4 billion plan is set to be funded through a mix of public and private investment, with PN promising to explore innovative financing models to keep costs down. The first phase of the project, which includes the construction of the metro’s first line and the upgrade of the bus network, is expected to start within the first 100 days of a PN government.

But PN’s plan isn’t just about the future. It’s also about learning from the past. Grech acknowledged the challenges faced by previous public transport projects, promising to engage with the public and stakeholders throughout the planning and implementation process.

“We want to get this right,” Grech said. “We want to create a transport system that Maltese people can be proud of, a system that works for everyone, from the commuter to the tourist, from the student to the senior citizen.”