Transport planning in Malta

Abstract

Transportation demands in urban areas continue to increase rapidly as a result of both population growth and changes in travel patterns. Planning efficient public transport network systems which are attractive enough both for the users and operators is one major challenge that transport planners are faced with Iand and space limitations, together with the increasing global environmental crisis puts further pressure to provide public transportation as an equal alternative to private transport. Road based bus systems offers an opportunity for creating a network system capable of meeting multiple needs of users and operators. This dissertation presents a critical evaluation of the current public transport network system in the Maltese Islands and planning methodology for improving the existing public bus transport service. Providing a flexible, easily available and reliable bus service network is the first step In shifting people from private vehicles to public transport. The aim of this study is to evaluate the present bus network system and offer possible incremental improvements in order to meet and satisfy public transport demands and requirements for the users as well as service providers for the island, within the limited resources and constraints.