Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1424528
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 31 OCTOBER 2021 15 COMMERCIAL routes. Another consideration is that the construction of tunnels and stations at 10 to 15 meters below sea level is much costli- er than a typical tunnel. In order to make the system more effi- cient, we can introduce people movers, (electric driver-less cabins which are sim- ilar to what we see between air terminals) from Floriana to Valletta, and from Marsa Park & Ride to Marsa Station. At Mater Dei Hospital, similar cabins can be installed on an elevated circuit to facilitate visitors' commuting time to see patients. With time, the system can incorporate these 'people movers' from congested ar- eas, like Buġibba, Qawra, St. Paul's Bay, Paceville, Sliema, Ħamrun, Birkirkara and Cottonera, to the nearest station. Observations • It is to be noted that the excavation of the actual tunnels would cost con- siderably less than the construction of the stations, trains, equipment, and rails. Therefore, I propose that all tunnels are excavated in Phase 1, as this will save on logistics costs and on the unnecessary transportation costs of the heavy boring machine. • I simply cannot understand why ARUP are proposing a dated twin steel rails system instead of a single rail system! The latter uses rubber wheels by the side and on top of the single rail (one beam) which we re- fer to as a monorail. It is complete- ly silent and more efficient with less maintenance work required to oper- ate. It can also travel at a 12-degree gradient, while with their proposed solution, the metro can travel at only 8 degrees. These monorails (single rail) are being used in modern sys- tems within large European Coun- tries such as Paris and Barcelona. • I am pleased to note that land rec- lamation is being advocated by con- sultants to create a well-designed Sliema Waterfront, a concept I have been proposing since 2007. How- ever, I disagree with the idea of an underground tunnel and station sit- uated 15 meters below sea level for many reasons, amongst which the substantial construction costs. • The Marsa Interchange station and Park & Ride should be elevated so as to avoid further costs of construction below sea level and therefore reduce the total investment substantially. • Floriana Park & Ride can have a direct and more efficient link by using peo- ple movers that take commuters di- rectly to the Valletta Station, through the existing old Railway Tunnel. • The entire project should be split in 3 phases; Phase 1 to include a section of each route in most congested are- as. Phases 2 and 3 are to include the remaining routes up to Ċirkewwa. • Once the system is connected to Valletta through an underground tunnel, other vehicles will also be able to pass through other tunnels to reach Valletta underground car parks. Hence, St Anne Street in Flori- ana can be transformed into a nicely landscaped pedestrian priority area. • The size of the Stations would need to be designed according to the total population catchment of the villages or towns, as well as factoring in the estimated number of people who would use the system. Based on this information, the number of required Feeder Buses would be determined with more accuracy, resulting in an effective and functional station de- sign. • Although I am a developer, I disagree with the enormous development be- ing proposed next to the stations at Pembroke and Kennedy Grove in Salina. At most, one can consider an elevated car park next to the Buġibba station since Buġibba, Qawra and St Paul's Bay lack adequate parking fa- cilities. It is crucial that we are for- ward looking and aim to create more green areas that serve as the 'Lung' of the dense development zones. • For the Government to reduce its in- vestment, it can consider offering the construction and operation of the car parks next to all the stations for pri- vate investment via the Build & Op- erate Scheme. • Consultants also need to advise the Government on the maintenance and operational costs of the entire project. To conclude, this is a huge national invest- ment, one that is much needed for a health- ier and cleaner environment. Reduction of private vehicles coupled with more efficient integrated public transport will result in a better quality of life for all citizens. This is a highly sensitive and long-term project and therefore should be meticu- lously reviewed, studied, and discussed before any final decisions are taken by the government. Political parties, engineers, architects, financial consultants and the general public will need to collaborate and engage in mature discussions and debates; this is not a matter of Red, Blue and Green, this is a matter of a sustainable develop- ment that will improve our standard of living. My recommendation is to engage the best local architects and engineers, who togeth- er with Government consultants, study all the pros and cons and subsequently pres- ent their findings and proposals for public consultation. Since this is a long-term pro- ject, it would be best to have this approved by at least 75% of Parliament members, in the interest of the present and future gen- erations. Monorail Feeder buses People movers