13 minute read
Looking at 2023 with Optimism
SEPTEMBER
MG2I MCAST Teens Summer Camp complete Sustainable Mobility Challenge
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Ms Laura Sue Mallia, Director Risk Management, Policy, and EU Affairs, presented a Transport Mobility Challenge to students attending the MG2I MCAST Teens Summer Camp organised for teenagers between the ages of 13 and 16. The students were given an overview of the various initiatives which Transport Malta is presently working on in relation to sustainable and alternative mobility, and were provided with tools in order to develop a sustainable urban mobility solution for residents of a fictitious town. The winners of this challenge were Krista Dingli, Sam Dingli, Gianni Tabone, Gabriel Pace, Hugo Dreyfuss and Noah Dreyfuss. The Authority also congratulates all participants for their efforts and stimulating insights.
Removal of Illegal Billboards
A joint operation was conducted between Transport Malta and the Planning Authority to remove a number of billboards that were placed on our streets without any relevant permits issued from the aforementioned Authorities. During yesterday’s operation, a number of billboards were removed in some localities. In the coming time, more billboards without the relevant permits will be removed.
Logos Hope leaves Malta
Logos Hope – the biggest book fair at sea – sailed out of the Grand Harbour. During its stay in Malta, many Maltese book lovers and tourists visited this ship. Until we meet again.
Skolasajf Sessions come to an end
The last session at Attard Skolasajf centre marks the end of our 2021-2022 Sustainable Mobility Educational Programme. Once again, a team from Transport Malta had the opportunity to deliver talks and interact with students between the ages of 3 and 16 years. The topics covered during these sessions were Electromobility, Walking and Cycling, Enforcement at sea and on land, Public Transport, a National Pollution Response Exercise
Transport Malta organised a National Pollution Response exercise on 6th and 7th September 2022. This exercise was organised in collaboration with the European Maritime Safety Agency and other local Government and Private stakeholders. It provided a great opportunity to test procedures, train together and test new equipment provided by EMSA.
Seafarer’s Centre
Transport Malta has renewed its support to the Seafarer’s Centre situated at Ta’ Liesse, Valletta, to contribute towards the day-to-day running of the Centre. The Centre offers social support and accommodation to seafarers who find themselves in difficulty when in Maltese ports and waters. This shows the social responsibility of TM as the regulator of maritime affairs in Malta.
Trilvee test in Pjazza Tritoni
The first driverless car was tested in Pjazza Tritoni in Malta. The driver was physically driving this vehicle from the United Kingdom.
IBIA Conference
The pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine have brought with them several challenges in our lives. These issues are also affecting the bunkering industry. During the past few days, the International Bunker Industry Association held a conference where it brought together all the stakeholders in this sector in order to find a direction for the future.
En Route to Change
En route to change is setting into motion discussions, sharing of knowledge and having industry be part of the solution. Preparing for 2030 targets, such as having 65,000 EVs in Malta and Gozo, requires us all to discuss end of life usage or reusage/recycling of batteries for electric cars.
OCTOBER
Aviation Cosmetics Malta Ltd. Visit
Transport Malta CEO Brig. Jeffrey Curmi and DG Civil Aviation Captain Charles Pace visited Aviation Cosmetics Malta Ltd. This company was established in Eindhoven in 1994. The company relocated end expanded its operations in Malta, where it employs 60 people. The company has good working relations with other stakeholders forming part of the Malta Aviation cluster and has plans to expand their operations in the future.
Grant Schemes for Local Councils
Transport Malta is launching a Grant Scheme targeting all local councils in Malta and Gozo and NGOs. Through this initiative, funds will be granted for the implementation of projects related to sustainable mobility in their locality with the aim of increasing measures which improve walkability and facilities which increase the uptake of cycling. The main impact is expected to be the reduction of emissions and a better quality of life for the residents. A budget of €200,000 is being allocated for this Scheme and maximum grant of €20,000 will be provided to each successful applicant.
Free Tow Truck Service
This service will be available from Monday to Friday from 06:00 to 09:30 and from 15:30 to 18:30 during the school year. To make use of this service you should call freephone 80073399. An Enforcement Officer from Transport Malta will be sent to your location to direct traffic in the area and help move your vehicle to the nearest safe place, so that it is not an inconvenience to the traffic that is passing by. Wizz Air Malta starting operations
Following the confirmation of its AOC and OL from the EASA and CAD, Wizz Air Malta will start its operations in Malta with Malta-registered aircraft. Hon. Aaron Farrugia, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects, Transport Malta CEO Brig. Jeffrey Curmi, and DG for Civil Aviation Capt. Charles Pace have attended this event which serves as a testament to the versatility and professionality to Malta’s Civil Aviation jurisdiction.
Examiners attend ASC Training Sessions
Driving Examiners from the Driving Testing and Training Unit within Transport Malta’s Land Transport Directorate have just attended the second training course given by ASC (Automotive Safety Centre) Quattroruote. This training was carried out with the aim of further raising the level in driving license tests in various categories. ASC specialises in road safety and driving instruction. They also do this in collaboration with various universities and entities. The first part of the training took place earlier in April this year. This course was held in collaboration with the Malta Road Safety Council.
Flexjet registers aircraft in Malta
The premium private jet operator Flexjet has registered its first Gulfstream G650 in Europe, with a second of the ultra-long-range jets set to join the fleet within the next six months. As time goes by, more companies are choosing to register their aircraft under the Maltese jurisdiction, thanks to the reputation, sustainability, efficiency and innovation it provides.
New REMPEC offices in Sa Maison inaugurated
The new offices for the Regional Marine Pollution Emergency Response Centre for the Mediterranean Sea (REMPEC) were inaugurated yesterday in Sa Maison. This international organisation forms part of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Our country will continue to host this organisation in the coming years and strengthen its resolve on the
NOVEMBER
importance of our sea in many economic activities which are crucial for our country’s economy.
Malta Aviation Conference & EXPO
Transport Malta’s CEO Brigadier Jeffrey Curmi attended the Malta Aviation Conference & EXPO (MACE). MACE is an international conference that deals with the aviation sector that takes place in Malta every year and it attracts a number of delegates from all over the world. Curmi stated that the Authority’s vision is to continue attracting more companies to Malta - through investment in our people and in new technology while ensuring the sustainability of this industry.
Malta Maritime Summit 2022
The Malta Maritime Summit was held, gathering together international ministers and officials to discuss challenges and opportunities that the industry is facing, and to discuss a way forward towards a more sustainable and resilient maritime sector.
Reputation and the Maltese Aviation Jurisdiction
The Maltese aviation jurisdiction continues to build on its good reputation. Over a period of a couple of weeks , three major companies in the sector - Wizzair, Flexjet and Eurowings - have joined the Maltese 9H registry, and it is predicted that this registry will amount to 800 aircraft by 2023. Soaring to Higher Altitudes.
Sustainable Mobility and students’ role
The Risk Management, Policy and EU Affairs Department within Transport Malta is currently visiting primary, secondary and post-secondary schools in an initiative to reach out to students and discuss sustainable mobility with them. On 18th and 19th October, two members of the sustainable mobility team visited St. Francis School in Cospicua and held sessions with all students where the importance of sustainable mobility was explained in and interactive way, and then discussed their role in making their transport more sustainable and how to share this message with their families. Norwegian Epic visits Malta
A few days ago, the cruise liner Norwegian Epic visited Malta’s Grand Harbour. Our country continues to be a destination of excellence in the maritime sector and continues to attract these types of vessels.
MV AIDAcosma maiden call to Malta
The MV AIDAcosma on her maiden call to the port of Valletta. She is the longest cruise ship to call in Malta and the world’s first cruise ship to be operated with low-emission liquefied natural gas. MV AIDAcosma also has a shore power connection, which almost reduces her emissions to zero in suitably equipped ports. The port of Valletta will be such a port as of 2023.
Aeromedical Scientific Meeting
This one-day conference, which was held on 21st October, was attended by over 45 aeromedical examiners (AMEs), doctors and aviation professionals from over 8 different countries. The conference addressed various elements related to the physiological, mental and emotional wellbeing of air crew in a post-COVID reality. Highlights of the conference included the diagnosis of drug abuse and rehabilitation, psychiatric and psychological effects of COVID on air crew, respiratory effects post-COVID, accident investigation, medical emergencies in an aircraft cabin, and disorientation and the human factor.
Green Travel School Plan
The Risk Management, Policy and EU Affairs Department within Transport Malta, in collaboration with Nature Trust (Eko-Skola) and HSBC Malta Foundation, launched the 2nd Edition of the Green Travel School Plan for this scholastic year. Ms Cynthia Caruana, Project Coordinator and EkoSkola Teacher, introduced this year’s initiative and urged students together with their teachers to explore new ways and ideas to plan an effective Green Travel School Plan for their school. Ms Ritianne Buhagiar,
DECEMBER
Manager Sustainable Mobility at Transport Malta, closed the event with a note on the importance and positive impacts of Green Travel Plans both for the environment and our health. Transport Malta congratulated all schools who are embarking on this journey and presented them with a small token sponsored by Transport Malta.
Challenge Air Group
Challenge Air Group, who recently received the Air Operator Certificate from Transport Malta, provided a flight as well as the logistical support to transport ‘Flemish Tapestries’ to return to Malta from Liège Belgium. These will now be exhibited in St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta.
Accident assistance during bad weather
During the past hours, a number of accidents occured due to bad weather. TM Enforcement Officers were present to assist drivers. Transport Malta would like to advise drivers to drive cautiously and be aware of any obstacles on the roads. Enforcement Officials Training Seminars
Transport Malta held more training seminars for our Enforcement Officers. These seminars are organised to ensure that our Enforcement Officers offer the best possible service to commuters while on duty.
Sustainable and Alternative Mobility Booklets
Two informative booklets which have been prepared by the Risk Management, Policy and EU Affairs Department within Transport Malta were launched on Wednesday 30th November at Blata l-Bajda Middle School and Santa Venera Primary. The booklets, which are being distributed to all students in Year 4 and Year 7 in Government, Church and Private Schools, include information and activities related to sustainable and alternative mobility. The event was also addressed by the Director General of Education.
Student Mobilithon Challenges
The Risk Management, Policy and EU Affairs Department, together with the Ports and Yachting Directorate within Transport Malta, in collaboration with the EIT Urban Mobility RIS Hub and MCAST, organised a Mobilithon for students, members of staff and the general public. This consisted of a challenge-based learning exercise where the participants were invited to present ideas and potential solutions for current mobility challenges. This event marks the culmination of a year of collaborative events with EIT to promote the use of sustainable and alternative mobility. Transport Malta takes this opportunity to congratulate the winning team Nautilinks.
Towards an Improved Transport System
In the last edition of this publication, I wrote about the challenges of traffic congestion, climate change, air quality and the need to make transport cleaner.
During the national budget debate which took place last October, I made public that the Government, through Transport Malta, is carrying out another study to determine the long-term feasibility of the proposed light-rail metro system, and how such a proposed network might be financed.
This study is one way that we are continuing to explore different modes of public transportation.
To put everything into context, the current traffic congestion issue is not a problem that surfaced ten years ago, it was long coming. However, we addressed the issue of public transport with a new public transport operator, introduced a number of policies to promote sustainable mobility, began the largest-ever capital expenditure on our road network, introduced a number of new cycle lanes, and introduced footbridges to improve safety and promote walking, putting in place new stations to promote the inter harbour ferry service and put in place grants to promote greener private modes of transport, especially electric vehicles.
Last October, we made public bus transport free for whoever uses a Tallinja card, becoming the second country in the EU to offer free public transport. Although It is still too early to study the impact of this measure, our first indications show that bus passengers have increased by 15% since this measure was first introduced and when compared to bus usage over the previous month.
People in cars want fewer cars and less traffic – that’s the paradox of the moment which needs to be addressed.
On top of my agenda for 2023 is a review of public transport, chiefly to ensure that supply matches demand. We will do a full review of routes and frequency of buses, as well as integrate 25 new electric buses in the first half of 2023.
Also on the agenda is a comprehensive action plan for road safety: from strategy to policies, investigations to road infrastructure, and from enforcement to education.
Road traffic accidents kill too many people. We can no longer accept the unacceptable. We owe it to the public, to our children to ensure that our roads are as safe as possible. A number of issues come into play that cause road incidents, and it is our job to make sure all of these are addressed. When I hear of fatalities and victims of road accidents — to me, these are not numbers, but persons, with families behind them. Every life matters, and the effects of leaving these issues unaddressed are catastrophic. Road safety is at the top of government’s agenda and that crucial action is necessary. For this reason, the ministry will be implementing a number of measures which together will make up a comprehensive action plan to maximise road safety and minimise road incidents that are currently on the rise.
We are also committed to continue to invest in improved transport infrastructure to enable modal shift and ensure a more effective and sustainable transport system.
Additionally, Transport Malta will be doubling down on the aviation and maritime sectors, two key growth sectors of the Maltese economy. In that regard, over the coming year, Malta will be seeing the addition of more airlines basing their operations on the island, consolidating success in the ship registry and enhancing Malta’s presence within the area of super yachts and yachting on an international level.
What is certain is that we have managed to outperform our own projections, in many areas.
The truth is that the country wasn’t prepared for the economic growth which followed, and we are now expecting our economy to grow even further – up to nine times the average European rate. This economic success has brought about challenges we did not expect.
In the years to come, future governments may be forced to take unpopular measures to address the increasing levels of congestion. In the meantime, however, we will do our best not to get to such situations. This is doable if the right mix of transport services and other initiatives are implemented to address the needs, expectations, and aspirations of our ever-evolving society.
