Car pooling proves popular

It may not have been an overwhelming success, with cars still packing Valletta's car parks, but bus drivers and wardens reported a significant response to yesterday's car-free day even though participation was on a voluntary basis.

A warden stationed in Floriana told The Times that by 9 a.m. she had spotted more than 100 cars carrying three or more occupants. The owners of these "booked" vehicles will be entered into a draw which could win them a free flight to EuroDisney, among other prizes.

"In fact, contrary to what happens on other days, people who were taking part in the car-pool initiative caught my attention, making sure I booked them," the warden joked.

Bus drivers and car park attendants corroborated the warden's report. The former reported more passengers while the latter said the influx was constant but much slower than usual.

A bus driver on the Mellieha route said he had picked up nearly double the number of passengers he usually takes in to Valletta.

As for politicians setting an example, however, things may have regressed. Environment Minster George Pullicino opted for car-pooling rather than the use of public transport or an electric vehicle, as had happened in the past. The Prime Minister, who used the bus last year, took the car into Valletta this time round, as did his deputy Tonio Borg. Like Minister Pullicino, Health Minister Louis Deguara car-pooled.

An exception was IT and Investments Minister Austin Gatt, who walked to the office, as he does on most days, an official told The Times.

This year's theme for car free day was Clever Commuting and the emphasis was placed on car-pooling. Last year, a series of roads were closed off to traffic and the initiative had come under fire because of the traffic congestion it created.

The long lines of cars with engines idling for so long in the traffic had achieved exactly what car free day was meant to cut down on - pollution.