PN’s proposed metro system is a ‘realistically achievable target’ – traffic and planning consultant
Julian Bonnici
The €2.3 billion global price tag and the five year time frame to construct the first line of the proposed multi-modal light rail metro system is an “extremely achievable target, provided that sufficient planning and organisation takes place,” traffic and planning consultant Bjorn Bonello has told The Malta Independent.
Mr Bonello even went so far as to say that the cost may be slightly over-estimated.
He claimed that the planning of the project, rather than the actual construction and laying of the tracks would be the most timeconsuming stage.
He said that implementation and planning is vital in order not to disrupt traffic excessively, and not get the project off to a bad start by leaving a bad a taste in people’s mouths.
Once running, he said he could not imagine many serious issues arising from the transport system.
Yesterday, the Nationalist Party unveiled the details of the proposed light rail metro system, which will be 90% funded by the EU.
It will include four separate lines:
Line 1: Valletta – Msida – Sliema – St Julian’s (which will be completed within the first legislature)
Line 2: Valletta – Birkirkara – Ta’ Qali – Mosta – Naxxar
Line 3: Valletta – Paola – Airport – Fgura – Cottonera – Żabbar – Marsascala
Line 4: St Julian’s – Ċirkewwa – Mġarr (Gozo) – Victoria (Gozo).
Mr Bonello said he believed that the light-rail metro system was by far the most suitable option, both in terms of construction and monetary investment, to solve the traffic situation in Malta.
“People tend to forget that a fully underground system would entail the complete reconstruction of Maltese roads.”
There are concerns regarding the annual €56 million in operational and maintenance costs (of all four lines), and as to whether or not the system would be able to turn a profit.
Mr Bonello said that lines in high density areas would most likely turn a profit, specifically Line 1 and Line 3.
“It will all depend on the investment and the eagerness of the stakeholders. Line 1 and Line 3 will probably be finished quickly, given that the majority of public transport is used within those areas and will therefore be commercially viable to investors.”
However, he maintained that no entire underground system is able to break even, let alone make a substantial profit. “Even in London, where they cater for millions, they barely break even.”
He insisted that the reasoning behind the metro system should not be profit-centric but rather be viewed through the multitude of social and environmental benefits it would provide.
Mr Bonello says that the system will establish greater social inclusion, and decrease road traffic substantially. He also maintained that the system would have to use supporting transport systems to work. The PN has mentioned that it will be including a multimodal transport system.
Anglu Xuereb
Entrepreneur Anglu Xuereb, who has long been at the forefront of discussions for a metro system on the island after submitting an initial proposal 25 years ago, said he was in favour of the proposal and even went so far as to say that it was superior to his monorail proposal.
He maintained, however, that this should not merely be a Nationalist proposal, and that it was imperative that whoever wins the upcoming snap election tackles the issue and begins to seriously consider the metro system as a long-term solution to the country’s serious traffic issues.
Asked whether or not he would put himself forward as a candidate to undertake the project, Mr Xuereb was hesitant to fully commit, instead insisting that the issue was bigger than him or any political party, and would benefit the country as whole. He said that he would make his expertise in the field available to whichever government wanted.