Liberalisation is a challenge

We as a people would like to see change and reform. The bleak reality is that the public transport system is not "living" but merely "existing". It is now time for a total reform. It is something that is felt in every part of the island and by every citizen.

It is evident that the Maltese citizen prefers using private vehicles to resorting to public transport even though this is more expensive and more polluting.

Transport Minister Austin Gatt is voicing the opinion of the whole country. The reality is that modern countries depend on adequate mobility if they are to have a successful and thriving economy.

It is now up to us, everyday citizens to endorse this much-needed reform. A reform like this cannot just be supported by the minister but by all of us if it is to be implemented effectively. It seems that the Transport Federation too has come to realise, albeit arduously, that liberalisation is the best way forward.

Liberalisation is a challenge. Every new challenge has its own difficult issues and one may argue that liberalisation may not be that easy for the present public transport operators but they must, in turn, realise that it is the citizen that should be given over-riding importance.

This is a very important moment and the system can truly be reformed to put citizens first.

The new system will provide a more realistic assessment of the value that consumers are paying for.

The aim, as detailed in the vision document, is to implement reform that puts in place an efficient and effective transport system that will not only reduce the volume of traffic on our congested roads but will serve as an effective link to all communities. Transport is fundamental to a thriving economy. Modern cities depend on the efficiency of a public transport system that forms the backbone of the mobility system.

Integrated and reliable public transport and top quality facilities for pedestrians and cyclists will help build people's confidence in sustainable alternatives to the car.

The need for public transport to improve must be addressed in order to avoid any further reduction in its use. The need to protect the environment is also high on the agenda if we are to ensure consumers get the full benefits of liberalisation. The vision document is proof that the government understands the paramount needs and desires of the transport user.

At one extreme, there is the argument that transport is commercial and, therefore, one should allow the market forces to work freely. At the other extreme it is sometimes argued that transport is a necessary social service that should be provided free at point of use.

Unfortunately, both arguments are unsustainable; a balance needs to be found. This balance is the key that is being pushed forward by the ministry, one that will lead our country to become the home of elaborately-linked communities.

Economically speaking, transport is a facilitator enabling people to be where they prefer to be in reasonable time.

The principles of government involvement in transport, epitomised by nationalisation, resulted in the conventional wisdom becoming widespread that transport provision was a duty of the government to provide in order to meet personal and economic needs.

But, we must realise that we should be at the forefront of this vision and embrace it with responsibility.

Where access would otherwise be denied, a caring society needs to look after its weaker members, whether due to age, disability, or low income. These groups of people may require help with transport due to their being unable to afford to pay commercial rates for their transport needs or shoulder the extra costs for specially-adapted vehicles and infrastructure. We must realise that the current fleet is unsustainable, both with regard to the environment as well as providing appropriate access to all.

Some argue this can only be achieved by the present government control system. However, there are many examples in Europe of private operators integrating services and fare structures, like, say various tram initiatives with bus companies, airport interchanges and others.

The first hints of liberalisation led to the transport strike, during which a group of students witnessed an attack on their coach driver.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Mario de Marco met these students and apologised on our behalf for the bad experience.

These students were also given souvenirs which they duly appreciated, as it is not every day that one meets such a high-profile politician. Dr de Marco not only reminded them that the Maltese were hospitable people but he was the living proof of this as he represented our people in the best possible manner.

It is now time to embrace the reform. It seems like we are prepared for and excited about this challenge.

The minister is ready to implement this much-needed change. The federation must also reform itself by accepting the need of better service and efficiency.

This is a serious challenge that will change the way we commute and serve as an important backbone for future generations.

Mr Casa is a Nationalist member of the European Parliament.

david.casa@europarl.europa.eu, www.davidcasa.eu