Sixth edition of T-21: The Transport Malta Quarterly published

This edition of Transport Malta’s official publication focuses on the changes that have taken place recently and on the historic events that have shaped the first few months of the year, both in terms of transport matters as well as those that are significant for the country.

The newly appointed Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects, Dr. Aaron Farrugia, has made his appointment official by visiting all Transport Malta premises and personally meeting each and every employee. In his contribution to T-21, he explains how his administration will continue building on the foundations that have been laid out in the past, while simultaneously optimising other aspects of transport and infrastructure.

Given that the maritime sector’s importance is at an all-time high, almost every T-21 publication focuses on a particular aspect of this industry. In this edition, there is a deeper dive into the vision for the Grand Harbour and how the urban regeneration in this general area, which compares to similar concepts as in different countries, will benefit both the functionality of the Harbour as well as the aesthetics.

The Special Feature of this edition highlights the operational aspect of the Integrated Transport Strategy Directorate within Transport Malta. This Directorate may not be as large as others in terms of manpower, however, the intricate roadworks that are necessary for our daily commutes would not be feasible without the ITSD. The Directorate plans all enhancements of our road networks, and since transport is a constantly evolving sector, it needs regular updating of its systems and safety. Mr David Sutton, Chief Officer of this Directorate, explains in detail how new concepts are being implemented and integrated on our roads. Since the National Household Travel Survey was concluded only a few months ago, this Special Feature also gives an overview of how the information gathered through this survey is indispensable to transport planners of the present and the future.

An interesting article regarding the past methods of transportation in Malta, namely, the Old Malta Railway, gives an insight into how the first mass transportation system came to be and how it operated, through a brief timeline of significant events. The mirrored proposal of the future Mass Rapid Transit System in Malta is essentially the same, but on a grander, more efficient, and obviously more modern scale. In the present, despite this, we may only rely on public transport and taxis to take us to our destination, and the latter method of transport also features in this edition of T-21, in an article which also explains aspects of the past, present, and future intentions of this means of transport.

Linking elements of the past with the time ahead, the publication springs forward to discuss the future of transportation. Sustainable mobility and green transport will inevitably be placed at the foreground in the near future, since it is imperative that we start heading towards transport which does not emit as much pollution. Furthermore, the interesting concept of autonomous vehicles is also explored. To what extent will autonomous vehicles be implemented in the future, and is this even a feasible reality for private cars and public transport on the Maltese Islands?

As in other editions, the Chairman & CEO, Mr. Joseph Bugeja, as well as the Deputy CEO and COO, Mr. Kevin Farrugia, have also given their contributions to this edition of T-21.

The editor of the publication is Peter Paul Barbara, who is a Director within the Office of the Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Transport Malta. The publication is produced with the collaboration and assistance of the Authority’s Marketing Unit.