Delia says new mass transportation system solution to ‘scary’ traffic problems

The ultimate solution to the increase in the number of cars, which PN leader Adrian Delia yesterday described as “scary”, is a new mass transportation system.

In a radio interview on Net FM, Delia noted that by the end of June this year there were 400,000 cars on the road. But the government’s only solution is to widen roads, only for commuters to get stuck in traffic again a bit further down the road.

He commented that while the increase in the number of buses is positive, it is useless if the buses themselves are still going to be stuck in traffic. For the buses to be punctual and efficient, the roads need to have fewer private vehicles on them.

“You could add 1,000 buses but it is not a solution if they are stuck in traffic,” Delia stressed.

Since the country’s population, now at the half a million mark, is expected to continue increasing, the number of cars will increase in tandem, Delia said, adding that Malta “is going to end up in a gridlock.”

He noted that he has been saying for two years that widening the roads is not a solution, and that he has also consulted experts on the matter.

Earlier this week the National Statistics Office reported how by the end of June this year the number of licensed motor vehicles hit 391,914, an increase of 3.3 per cent.

77.6 per cent were passenger cars, 13.6 per cent were commercial vehicles, 7.6 per cent were motorcycles, quadricycles and ATVs, while buses and minibuses amounted to less than one per cent.

The stock of licensed vehicles increased at a net average rate of 45 vehicles per day, while an average of 82 vehicles per day was newly licensed during the second quarter of this year.

Delia said that the solution lies in a new mass transportation system along with education. The PN, he said, is speaking with several stakeholders about the issue the matter to find solutions.

To this he added that the environment is a priority for the PN, saying that it is an essential element to everything, including any mass transportation system. Delia commented that there should be no collateral damage to the environment when designing this transportation system, adding that it needs to reduce mortality, provide efficient transport and ultimately a better standard of living.

Delia also spoke about the recent increase in fuel prices, saying that when you discuss fuel prices you have to take note of international prices. He said that the last time the price of diesel was €1.28 was when oil was $103 per barrel. Today, the price of diesel has increased to €1.28 but the price of oil is $54 per barrel - exactly half of what it had been then.

The Labour opposition at the time had criticised the government for the hike in fuel prices but the oil price was double what it is today, Delia recalled.

He said that the problem today is a lack of planning by the government and commented that the political emphasis on the decrease in fuel prices before the general election has failed.

The PN’s concern, he said, is that society is suffering the repercussions, and the increase in fuel prices is having a big impact on small businesses.

Delia mentioned that there was no reaction from the government about the increase in fuel prices, despite even the GWU and UHM workers’ unions demanding compensation to offset the hike.

“It is worrying and it will have a ripple effect in the coming winter months,” Delia said.

Speaking about social media, Delia said that it could be a very good tool for communication if used properly. However, he noted that cyberbullying is a reality, even in politics. The PN is to provide education in the form of workshops and eventually a conference about how social media can be used properly for political messages.

Ironic to speak of lack of plans when he can’t even reform his party - Labour

In reply, the Labour Party said it is ironic that Delia speaks of a government without a plan when he was unable to lead the Opposition to a reform he promised.

The PL said that the government had carried out a massive reform in the energy sector which was leaving €80 in people’s pockets and led to more stable, lower fuel prices.