Bus lanes 'creating jams'

The introduction of bus lanes in several areas, particularly in Marsa, has led to the creation of big traffic jams, the opposition spokesman for roads and public transport, Charles Buhagiar, said yesterday.

This was yet another measure taken by the Nationalist government without any consideration having been given to the problems it could create, he said.

While the bus lanes concept was practised all over Europe, as it gave priority to public transport and ensured a more efficient service, it was not a measure that could be implemented without a plan.

The reform of public transport, Mr Buhagiar said, involved the buses, the service given and the physical infrastructure, including the introduction of bus lanes. But such a measure could not be introduced without first seeing what effect it would have on other vehicles.

Bus lanes had to be considered an integral part of road designing. However, new arterial roads were, in many cases, being narrowed to just two lanes, making the introduction of a bus lane in these roads impossible. Only old roads were wide enough to accommodate a bus lane.

This showed a lack of coordination between directorates within the Malta Transport Authority before works were carried out, Mr Buhagiar said.

He encouraged the government to prepare a serious and comprehensive plan on how it could solve the big problems of the sector within a set period.