Momentum Slams PN and PL Transport Plans as ‘Fantasy Politics’

Imagine this: you’re stuck in traffic on Triq San Ġwann, the sun’s beating down, and you’re late for that important meeting. Now, imagine if our political parties had their way with our transport system. According to Momentum, it might just be a fantasy – or a nightmare.

Malta’s political scene is abuzz with talk of transport plans, with both the Nationalist Party (PN) and Labour Party (PL) promising big changes. But Momentum, a think-tank focused on sustainable development, isn’t buying it. They’ve slammed both parties’ plans, calling them ‘not credible’ and ‘fantasy politics’.

The PN has proposed a radical overhaul of Malta’s bus system, with new routes, more frequent services, and even a new fleet of buses. Sounds great, right? Not according to Momentum. They argue that the PN’s plans are based on ‘optimistic’ assumptions about passenger numbers and don’t account for the practical challenges of implementing such a massive change.

Momentum points to the PN’s plan to increase bus frequency without increasing the number of buses. “How do you fit more buses on the same roads without causing more congestion?” asks Dr. Marthese Portelli, Director of Momentum. “It’s like trying to squeeze more water out of a stone.”

Meanwhile, the PL has been talking up its plans for a new metro system, with trains running from St. Julian’s to Valletta and beyond. It’s an ambitious project, but Momentum argues that it’s more fantasy than fact.

Momentum criticises the PL’s lack of detail on the project, from the route to the cost. “We’ve seen no feasibility studies, no environmental impact assessments, nothing,” says Dr. Portelli. “It’s like they’re expecting us to believe in magic trains.”

So, what does Momentum want? They argue that both parties are missing the point. Instead of big, expensive projects, they want to see practical, sustainable changes. That means better use of existing infrastructure, more cycling and walking paths, and better integration between different forms of transport.

“We need to make our transport system work for everyone, not just those who can afford the latest car,” says Dr. Portelli. “That means investing in public transport, making it affordable, reliable, and comfortable. It means making our streets safe for cyclists and pedestrians. And it means planning for the future, not just the next election.”

As we head towards the next general election, the question is: will our political parties listen to Momentum’s call for practical, sustainable transport plans? Or will we be left stuck in traffic, dreaming of fantasy buses and magic trains?