Public transport reform requires subsidies

State subsidies are essential in a social service such as public transport, as this can help increase accessibility for all, even on non-profitable routes. Leaving public transport at the mercy of profit-maximisation will increase pressure to raise fares and remove non-profitable routes, which, as things stand, are already curtailed.

The proposed fares are generally regressive and will not encourage people to make increased use of this service. What is required is an improved and affordable service to encourage people to make use of it. This requires not only a reliable and efficient service but also having public transport work at late hours across Malta and Gozo, and not only on profitable routes.

If the government does not have the necessary funds to finance such an important social service, it should compensate for this by reducing or eliminating subsidies on far less socially and ecologically sustainable activities. These include the exploitation of ground water sources which is even being used for free by producers of mineral water, the subsidies to low-cost airlines and the exemption of fines amounting to millions of euro for various construction companies on VAT payments and income tax.

According to the European barometer, urban mobility is of growing concern to European citizens. In fact nine out of 10 EU citizens believe that the traffic situation in their area should be improved, which means that the use of public transport is essential. It is also essential to combat climate change and to achieve the 20-20-20 EU objective.