In what’s already being called yet another governmental U-turn, funds initially planned to electricity Malta’s buses have now been directed to subsidise private electric vehicles.

On Wednesday, it was revealed by the PN that the plans had been scrapped after the government decided to withdraw its plans for the use of €34 million of EU funding for the €90 million project.

During a press conference on Wednesday Morning, the PN argued that the government is leaving behind the €90 million project to modernise the public transport. The company that runs Malta’s bus service, Malta Public Transport, stated it cannot go fully electric without this funding.

Prime Minister Robert Abela has since defended the decision, stating that the funds were used to provide incentives for electric car buyers, including subsidies of up to €8,000, alongside tax and road licence exemptions. He maintained that investing in private electric vehicles does not preclude support for public transport, noting Malta’s free public transport for all its residents.

“We are talking about €8,000, besides the scrappage scheme,” Abela said.

At the same time, it’s worth keeping in mind this year’s budget saw the electric vehicles subsidy reduced to the maximum of  €8,000 per car from the current limit of €11,000.

The decision does question Malta’s priorities for sustainable transport and environmental targets that the country must hit by 2030.

What do you make of this?