By Ashley Karen
A feasibility study and a strategic business case has been published by Transport Malta for the development of a 35 km underground driverless light metro network serving the principal urban area near Valetta.
The studies for a mass rapid transit network were done by Arup under a contract delivered by Transport Malta in 2016, and considered a range of modal options, comprising buses and light rail, before recommending a light metro. The network would be mostly under the ground, with the proposed northern extension to Bugibba being elevated.
The cost is measured to be €4·3bn. Subject to funding and planning permission being secured, it is envisaged that building could start in 2024 for opening in three phases by the end of 2029, 2035, and 2040.
The metro is expected to reduce public transport’s modal share by 30% and save 25 000 tons of CO2 per year.
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