Updated 1145
Gozo Launches Fully Electric Public Bus Fleet: Gozo’s entire public transport fleet is now operating with electric buses following an €11 million investment announced by government. The new fleet was officially launched at the electric charging depot forming part of the Multi-Modal Hub and Park and Ride facility at Ta’ Xħajma. Government said the project marks a major step towards cleaner and more sustainable transport in Gozo, with additional fast chargers installed to support overnight charging operations. Speaking during the inauguration, Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri said the initiative would help reduce emissions, improve air quality and modernise public transport infrastructure. Transport Malta CEO Kurt Farrugia described the new depot as the centre of a future-focused transport ecosystem. (Newsbook)
Enemalta Nears Completion of Major Power Grid Upgrades: Enemalta said major infrastructure projects in Naxxar, Siġġiewi and Msida are in their final stages and will be completed in the coming weeks as part of efforts to modernise Malta’s electricity network. New distribution centres in Naxxar and Siġġiewi will increase grid capacity and flexibility, while the upgraded Msida centre will double its capacity to support densely populated areas and key sites, including Mater Dei Hospital and the University of Malta. The projects form part of a €45 million investment programme, partly funded by the EU, which also includes new underground cables, substations and digital monitoring systems. (TVM News)
WT Global to Appeal Licence Revocation After Fresh Suspension: WT Global said it will urgently appeal the revocation of its operator’s licence after the Administrative Review Tribunal upheld Transport Malta’s 2025 decision against the cab operator. Transport Malta again suspended the licence on Tuesday, citing inspections that found WT Global was not properly using its declared garaging facilities. The company said it had since regularised the issues, secured sufficient parking capacity, and continued operating under judicial authorisation. WT Global said it remains committed to regulatory compliance while challenging what it described as disproportionate enforcement measures. (Maltatoday)
Transport Expert Warns Malta Cannot Wait 15 Years for Traffic Solutions: Transport expert Suzanne Maas warned Malta’s worsening traffic crisis requires urgent action, arguing that long-term metro and light rail proposals by the PL and PN fail to address immediate congestion. While supporting mass transit investment, Maas said both parties lack strong short-term measures and continue prioritising car infrastructure, undermining efforts to reduce traffic. She stressed Malta needs a cultural shift away from car dependency, backed by safer cycling and walking infrastructure, dedicated bus lanes and restrictions on car use. Maas also questioned optimistic project timelines and urged parties to treat transport reform as a national, rather than partisan, project. (The Malta Independent)
Morning Briefing
Dozen inmates cast votes despite being barred from election – reports
Around a dozen inmates at Corradino Correctional Facility are believed to have cast votes illegally during early voting after an administrative error led to voting documents being issued to prisoners not entitled to vote. Around 50 inmates mistakenly received voting papers due to a communication issue between the courts and the Electoral Commission. While some inmates retain voting rights, including those awaiting trial or serving short sentences, convicted prisoners generally lose that right. After discovering the error, the Electoral Commission sent letters warning the affected inmates not to vote and informing them they could face legal action if they did. However, several inmates reportedly ignored the warning and voted anyway during early voting held inside the prison last Saturday. Electoral officials could not confiscate the documents once issued, as current law does not allow voting papers to be withdrawn after they are distributed. (Times of MaltA)
Abela and Borg clash over economy, transport and quality of life
Prime Minister Robert Abela and Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg traded sharp exchanges during a televised debate focused on the economy, taxation, infrastructure and quality of life. Borg promoted the PN’s vision, unveiling proposals including income tax cuts, higher pensions, larger student stipends and a metro system aimed at tackling traffic congestion. He argued the measures would provide long-term solutions and reduce financial pressure on families and young people. Abela defended Labour’s record in government, pointing to Malta’s economic resilience during international crises, stable energy prices and major infrastructure projects. He also highlighted plans linked to Labour’s “Malta in Motion” strategy and a national wellbeing index. The debate became increasingly confrontational as both leaders questioned the credibility and feasibility of each other’s flagship proposals, particularly on transport and energy projects, ahead of the final days of the election campaign. (The Malta Independent)
Gozo launches fully electric public bus fleet
Gozo’s entire public transport fleet is now operating with electric buses following an €11 million investment announced by government. The new fleet was officially launched at the electric charging depot forming part of the Multi-Modal Hub and Park and Ride facility at Ta’ Xħajma. Government said the project marks a major step towards cleaner and more sustainable transport in Gozo, with additional fast chargers installed to support overnight charging operations. Speaking during the inauguration, Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri said the initiative would help reduce emissions, improve air quality and modernise public transport infrastructure. Transport Malta CEO Kurt Farrugia described the new depot as the centre of a future-focused transport ecosystem. . (Newsbook)
