Government Launches Major Transport Reform With Cash Grants, Park & Rides And Scooter Incentives
From scrapping your car for cash to getting paid to ride a scooter, Malta’s government has just unveiled a major set of reforms aimed at tackling traffic and reshaping how the country moves.
Transport Minister Chris Bonett announced the plans during a national conference, calling it a “national shift in how we move” following months of consultation with the public and experts. The full rollout is expected to take place over the next 18 months, with some measures kicking off as early as next month.
Here’s what’s on the table:
€25,000 Grant For Going Car-Free
Anyone who gives up both their driving licence and car for five years will receive a €25,000 grant, the most generous of the announced measures.
€6,000 Youth Scooter Scheme
17-year-olds who delay getting a car licence until age 21 and use a scooter instead will receive €1,500 per year for four years, totalling €6,000.
Scooter Shift Grant (Adults)
Licensed drivers who surrender their car and driving licence and switch to a scooter for four years will receive the same €1,500 per year, amounting to an additional €6,000.
Motorcycle Incentives
- €1,000 for low-powered motorcycles (up to 200cc)
- €750 for medium-performance bikes (up to 500cc)
- €500 extra if you scrap your old motorcycle
- Additional €1,000 if you scrap a car or van over 10 years old
More Carpool Parking At University
The University of Malta’s carpooling scheme is getting an upgrade. The number of dedicated parking spots will increase, but now at least two passengers are required (up from one) to qualify. This is being done in collaboration with KSU.
Four New Park & Ride Hubs
New Park & Ride facilities are being planned for:
- Ta’ Qali (connecting to University, Mater Dei, Rabat and Qormi)
- Paola (launching first, using the Addolorata area with shuttle links to Paola Square)
- Pembroke (targeting St Julian’s/Sliema traffic)
- Bormla (planned, but awaiting permits)
The government will also begin opening public buildings like Transport Malta offices for after-hours parking and identify other underused areas to open up to the public.
Better Public Transport and Off-Peak Services
Expect new and more frequent bus routes, along with waste collection and street cleaning shifted to off-peak hours. Off-peak service models will also be encouraged in both public and private sectors.
Remote Work Push
The government will open discussions with social partners to promote remote working in the private sector, as part of efforts to reduce daily traffic volume.
One Thing Malta Won’t Be Doing
Minister Bonett also confirmed that Malta will vote against the EU’s new proposal to allow 17-year-olds to get a full driving licence with adult supervision until they turn 18, stating this move “is not the right direction for Malta”.
“We don’t want to force people,” the Minister said, “but we want to convince them. These voluntary measures are designed to offer people real, practical alternatives that help us all beat traffic, together.”
You can read the full list of measures at reshapingourmobility.com
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