Efficient, ecological transport in Gozo

To a non-green individual, this headline may sound bizarre or just an electoral promise. In order to improve the transport system, a non-green might think just in terms of building new roads and creating carparks - all of which have proven to increase, rather than decrease, traffic congestion.

To a green person, improving the ecological efficiency of land and marine public transport systems is a must.

The European Local Council Agreement lays strong emphasis on the reconversion of the public transport system in European cities with a view to reducing pollution and energy waste while at the same time rendering it more sustainable and providing a better service to the citizens. We at Alternattiva Demokratika truly believe that it would be a major step forward if all the 14 Gozitan local mayors were to sign the ELCA.

Now, Gozo has a golden opportunity to reduce pollution caused by the present public transport system, both by sea and on land, while, at the same time, providing an excellent service which makes sense, as per today's needs.

The reform in the public transport system in Gozo should ensure that all public transport vehicles, including buses and minibuses, should be powered by hydrogen, methane gas or electrical energy to reduce air pollution which is causing so much harm to people's health.

It is a pity that bio-diesel is still not available on what was supposed to be the ecoisland of Gozo.