The Nationalist Party has unveiled plans for a €1.4 billion underground metro system which it says could be operational within five years if elected to government. The proposed first phase would link the airport to Pembroke through an 11.5km underground line served by eight stations. Speaking during a press conference, PN leader Alex Borg described traffic congestion as a major burden on quality of life and insisted the proposal was intended as a long-term national solution rather than an electoral pledge. He argued that Malta requires new transport capacity without creating additional disruption at street level. The project would rely on tunnel boring machines to excavate beneath existing infrastructure, limiting surface disruption largely to station construction. According to the PN, around 30 per cent of the funding could come from EU financing, while the remaining costs would be covered through loans. The party also cited studies estimating that traffic congestion is costing Malta hundreds of millions of euros annually. (Times of Malta)
Labour says its competent and credible on employment
The Labour Party said it remains a competent and credible force on employment and workers’ rights during a press conference addressed by candidates Andy Ellul, Josef Bugeja and Lisa Cassar Shaw. Ellul highlighted measures introduced by Labour governments in recent years, including wage increases, equal pay for equal work, more family urgent leave and tougher penalties for workplace law breaches. He said the party’s “Int Malta” manifesto promises further improvements to salaries and conditions, including a €1,000 “super bonus” for workers and tax exemptions for young people on the first €30,000 earned annually during their first three years of employment. Bugeja focused on job creation, training opportunities and incentives for older workers to remain employed, while Cassar Shaw outlined proposals to strengthen workplace health, safety and mental wellbeing, including updated remote working protections and measures addressing stress and psychosocial risks.
Transport Malta launches consultation on cab sector reforms
Transport Malta has launched two preliminary market consultations as part of planned reforms targeting Malta’s ride-hailing and cab sector. The authority is seeking proposals for tracking devices to be installed in all vehicles operating on booking platforms, as well as software to support internal processing and the issuing of driving tags. The consultations come amid increasing scrutiny of the sector following recent incidents involving cab drivers. Reports indicate that Transport Malta has been working on reforms since last year, including systems aimed at preventing drivers from exceeding 12-hour working limits. However, implementation efforts appear to have accelerated following a serious traffic incident involving a cab driver earlier this month. The authority said the software system would support regulation of various transport categories, including ride-hailing services, white taxis and chauffeur-driven vehicles. Both consultations are set to remain open until next month as Transport Malta evaluates market interest and technical solutions before proceeding further with the reforms. (Maltatoday)
