Momentum has welcomed new figures showing that more than five million Y-Plate journeys were recorded between February and May, saying the increase demonstrates that people are increasingly willing to use alternatives to private cars when they are convenient, reliable and accessible.
In a statement, the party said the figures support one of its key transport proposals presented during the last general election campaign: the introduction of a Subsidised Shared Cab Initiative through existing ride-hailing applications.
Momentum leader Arnold Cassola said that rather than creating an entirely new transport system such as the Metro, while continuing to strengthen Malta’s bus network with more buses, routes and increased frequency, the Government should work with existing Y-Plate operators and app providers to introduce subsidised shared rides.
Cassola explained that passengers travelling in similar directions could be automatically matched through existing ride-hailing apps, making shared journeys both cheaper and more attractive. He added that “every shared cab has the potential to remove up to four private cars from Malta’s roads,” which could help reduce congestion, emissions, parking pressures and travel times.
According to Momentum, the growing demand for ride-hailing services suggests that the next step should be to encourage passengers to share journeys through targeted subsidies. The party argued that, just as public transport receives government support because it offers an alternative to private car use, shared cabs should also be considered an investment in sustainable mobility.
The party said a subsidised shared cab service would complement buses, ferries, cycling and walking by providing another practical transport option, particularly for journeys where public transport may not be the most efficient choice.
Cassola concluded that “Malta does not need to wait years for major infrastructure projects before tackling traffic congestion,” urging the Government to begin discussions with ride-hailing operators to introduce the proposed scheme.
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