A public (underground) rail system?

We were informed recently that there are now over 310,000 vehicles registered on these tiny islands, which is equivalent to 74 vehicles for every 100 inhabitants. While this number is rather high, it is still not the highest in the world. That dubious award goes to the United States.

What is of concern is not the number per se, but rather the proportion of these vehicles being used daily. There is no doubt that Malta tops the list in this respect. Also, the proportion of motorbikes in relation to the number of cars is very low relative to other European countries. This number will continue to grow, especially now that second-hand cars imported from the UK have become commonplace.

Some have suggested congestion charges or more pedestrianisation to alleviate congestion and parking problems. But what Malta really needs is some form of rail-based transportation: a metro, a pre-metro or an underground tram.

Arriva might very well improve and provide top-notch service in the coming months, but those who can afford it will opt for their car over public transport any day.

While it is true that running a car is significantly more expensive than taking the bus (well over €1,000 more annually if one considers fuel costs, road licence, insurance, and depreciation), one cannot ignore the inconvenience of public transport. For example, it takes me 20 to 25 minutes to get to University from Marsascala by car, in off-peak traffic hours. According to the Arriva schedule, it would take me one hour by bus, and that, of course, does not include waiting time. Hence the need for a transport system that can bypass traffic.

In 2009 Transport Minister Austin Gatt said that a technical study had looked into a tram system; this system had been put on hold to focus on the bus reform. In 2008 he said that “an underground metro may not be impossible, but the economic case for it has yet to be made and I stand to be convinced about it.”

Who is to say that there would not be private interest in developing an underground rapid transit system?

As to its feasibility, the railway system in question need not be a complex network catering for the entire island.

A possible initial network could link the north and south with one terminal in Buġibba and one in Smart City, with just a handful of stations in strategic locations: Mater Dei/University, St Julian’s, Sliema, Valletta, and the airport. At each station and terminal there could be a bus terminus and a taxi stand, thereby encouraging other forms of public transport once off the train.

Such a network would instantly alleviate congestion and parking problems where they are most prevalent.