School transport suspended over post-election safety fears
One of Malta’s main school transport providers has announced it will suspend school van services on Monday, citing safety concerns linked to post-election celebrations and expected traffic disruption. The company said children could be at risk during pick-ups and drop-offs due to carcade processions, road closures and public gatherings in areas including Sliema, St Julian’s, Ħamrun and Valletta. It added that the timing is particularly difficult given half-day school schedules and official ceremonies, including the swearing-in of the next Prime Minister. The Education Ministry said schools will open as normal and transport providers are expected to meet their contractual obligations. The company insisted the decision is based on safety and responsibility, and said parents and schools should make alternative arrangements. Normal services are expected to resume on Tuesday. (Times of Malta)
€60 million De La Rue expansion hailed as vote of confidence in Malta
Prime Minister Robert Abela has inaugurated the completion of De La Rue’s Malta facility expansion, describing it as a strong vote of confidence in Malta’s manufacturing sector. The project, which began in 2022, involved nearly €60 million in private investment and is expected to generate skilled jobs, introduce advanced technology and strengthen training opportunities for Maltese and Gozitan workers. Accompanied by Economy Minister Silvio Schembri, Abela said the investment reinforces Malta’s position in advanced manufacturing and security printing. The upgrade includes more efficient production systems and visual technology aimed at boosting productivity and competitiveness. He described De La Rue as a key strategic partner and highlighted continued investment as evidence of trust in Malta’s economic stability and workforce. (The Malta Independent)
Government metro study confirmed doability of five-year metro project
A 2023 feasibility study commissioned by Infrastructure Malta suggests the Nationalist Party’s proposed metro system could be built within just over five years. The PwC report assessed the original three-line underground plan designed by Arup, covering 29km across Red, Blue and Green routes based on population and employment density. The confidential study estimated a completion time of around 5.3 years. The findings contrast with past government criticism that the project timeline was unrealistic. The PN’s election proposal closely follows one of the proposed metro lines in the original government plan studied by PwC, the Blue Line between Pembroke and the airport that passes beneath the Sliema-Gżira conurbation. (Maltatoday)
