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6 NEWS maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 21 MARCH 2022 NEWS What the parties are proposing on transport and infrastructure KURT SANSONE THE future is electric in the trans- port sector with parties promising incentives to encourage people and businesses to swap their petrol and diesel cars with electric vehicles. The PL is saying that the importation of combustion engine cars should come to an end by 2034, while ADPD is proposing a more ambitious 2030 as a cut-off date. The PN's flagship proposal is a mass transit system involving a trackless tram, which it pledges to complete in five years. The PL's metro proposal involves a pledge for more studies. ADPD's emphasis for alternative transport is on cycling routes and dedicated lanes to ensure rapid travel by buses. Partit Laburista Metro Seek wide consensus on the metro project, while carry out more technical studies to de- termine the environmental, so- cio-economic and geological im- pact of the project and if it results that it is viable work will start im- mediately. Buses Discussions with the bus oper- ator will lead to the introduction of new routes to localities that are currently not serviced. Ferries and lifts Strengthen existing ferry land- ing sites with the construction of quays in Sliema, Birgu, Bormla and Kalkara. Issue a call for new ferry routes connecting the Cot- tonera, Marsaxlokk, Marsaskala, St Paul's Bay, St Julian's, Mellieħa and other places. Carry out technical and geo- logical studies to construct a lift that will connect the Marsamx- ett ferry landing place with Pea- cock Garden above it and ensure the quay can accommodate two ships. Bicycles Better road design to accom- modate secure bike lanes and the installation of more bike racks in locality centres. Electric cars Electric vehicles will be issued with green road licence plates so they could be easily recognised and enjoy privileged access in certain zones, reserved parking and use of priority bus lanes. Invest in the creation of 1,200 electrical car charging points in the next three years. Charging points will be installed in all pub- lic car parks and in residential streets to enable those who have no garage to charge their car. Give incentives to the private sector so that large establish- ments, offices, supermarkets and places with car parks to enable workers and the public to charge their vehicles during opening times and possibly even after- wards. By not later than 2034, the im- portation of petrol and diesel cars will stop. Introduce new and better grants to incentivise the purchase of electric cars, including sec- ond-hand vehicles. Over five years, all vehicles used in the public service will be elec- tric. Private companies that shift their car fleet to an electric one will benefit from a tax credit for 50% of the amount up to a max- imum of €50,000. They will also be eligible for low interest loans from the National Development Bank to invest in electric vehicles and charging stations. New residential buildings and large establishments that offer parking facilities will have to in- stall electric car charging points. Study a system of vehicle-to-grid charging. Roads Continue with consultation on the Msida Creek junction with all interested parties to improve the project. Redevelop the subway at Portes des Bombes to make it more ac- cessible for commuters. Birzebbuga The fuel jetty in Birżebbuġa known locally as the Shell Jetty, will be renovated into an open recreational space allowing for families to swim there. Wied Dalam aviation fuel depot in Birżebbuġa will close down and the area transformed into a recreational area for residents. The San Luċjan fuel tanks in Birżebbuġa will be removed and the area turned into a sustaina- ble innovation hub that will in- corporate public open spaces, a new bay, sustainable businesses, gastronomic services and spaces for cultural and entertainment activities. Grand Harbour Regeneration of the Grand Harbour seafront from Valletta all the way to Marsa, and from Cottonera all the way to Kalkara. The regeneration will include the Menqa area and Albert Town in Marsa. Studies will also be con- ducted on the possibility of con- structing a lift to connect the Isla shoreline with the Gardjola above for residents and cruise passengers. Gozo The road tunnel project be- tween the islands will enter its implementation phase after the evaluation process of bidders that participated in the pre-qual- ification questionnaire comes to a close. Construction of a breakwater in Marsalforn and regeneration of the promenade on the Qbajjar side of the locality. Commitment to build an air- strip for small aircraft that will also be used as a drone testing facility without taking up agricul- tural land. Others Initiate consultation process on the idea that 16-year-olds be able to sit for an exam to get a licence to drive scooters with engines not larger than 125cc. Create a climate and mobility app to facilitate car-pooling. Introduce geo-fencing that will regularise the use of electric scooters in pedestrian zones and promenades so that they do not inconvenience the public. New Marsaxlokk Bay breakwa- ter on the Delimara side to pro- tect fishing boats.