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Coordinated access to Valletta / Birgu
Published on 19 May 2020
Malta
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About this good practice
This project was aimed at the creation of a formalized coordinated system providing alternative and integrated modes of green public transport between the cities of the Grand Harbour by taking advantage of, and overcoming disadvantages presented by, the geographic set-up of the area.
Redress the problem of excessive numbers of private, non-green vehicles entering Valletta, leading to congestion and the lowering of air quality and resulting in a negative aesthetic impact.
A major problem for pedestrian access from the harbour/sea area was caused by the steep access to the fortified city.
This difficulty was addressed by establishing a harbour ferry service which takes passengers to the foot of the bastions. The highest point of the city can then be reached via a panoramic lift which opens onto a garden offering spectacular views of the Grand Harbour. A single ticket was created to offer access to both services.
The Practice thus offers an alternative means of transport to reach the centre of the city by alternative green public transport modes. It also offers an additional tourist attraction for Valletta and has also contributed to the upgrading of the harbour area which was previously used predominantly by cargo handlers.
The main stakeholders are “Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation” and “Captain Morgan Leisure Cruises”. The beneficiaries are the people travelling to Valletta from the other harbour towns and tourist visiting the city.
Redress the problem of excessive numbers of private, non-green vehicles entering Valletta, leading to congestion and the lowering of air quality and resulting in a negative aesthetic impact.
A major problem for pedestrian access from the harbour/sea area was caused by the steep access to the fortified city.
This difficulty was addressed by establishing a harbour ferry service which takes passengers to the foot of the bastions. The highest point of the city can then be reached via a panoramic lift which opens onto a garden offering spectacular views of the Grand Harbour. A single ticket was created to offer access to both services.
The Practice thus offers an alternative means of transport to reach the centre of the city by alternative green public transport modes. It also offers an additional tourist attraction for Valletta and has also contributed to the upgrading of the harbour area which was previously used predominantly by cargo handlers.
The main stakeholders are “Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation” and “Captain Morgan Leisure Cruises”. The beneficiaries are the people travelling to Valletta from the other harbour towns and tourist visiting the city.
Expert opinion
Reducing the emission of air pollutants from road transport and offering integrated ticketing solutions for travelling are among the core priorities of the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy. This transport link (i.e. lift and low-emission ferries) created between Valletta and the Gran Harbour has managed to reduce the negative effects of traffic congestion, to the benefit of people’s health as well as to the maintenance of cultural heritage building in Valletta. At the same time, it increased the touristic appeal of the Gran Harbour (i.e. the so-called ‘Three Cities’). This good practice signals once more to local and regional policymakers that improving accessibility and offering sustainable mobility solution is absolutely fundamental to allow sustainable heritage management.
Resources needed
The service employs lift attendants and ferry personnel to man the services - 4 lift attendants, working in a roster, and 6 ferry personnel in two teams. It is financed by the users who purchase a combined ticket; The Project was partly funded by ERDF and by government at a total cost €2,355,569.
Evidence of success
The synergy and improved efficiency which came from the cooperation between central government, the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation, and tourism service providers has resulted in an enhancement of the transport link between Valletta and the port cities of the Grand Harbour area. This has resulted in increased commercial activity, previously concentrated in Valletta, which is now more widely distributed among the Grand Harbour cities.
Potential for learning or transfer
The importance of cooperation between various entities: governmental and non-governmental.
The importance of maintaining low running costs to achieve competitiveness with other non-green transport modes.
Providing the green transport service at a cost-effective rate by the creation of an integrated ticketing system for different transport options.
Geographically challenging areas are to be looked at as opportunity areas rather than insurmountable difficulties.
The importance of maintaining low running costs to achieve competitiveness with other non-green transport modes.
Providing the green transport service at a cost-effective rate by the creation of an integrated ticketing system for different transport options.
Geographically challenging areas are to be looked at as opportunity areas rather than insurmountable difficulties.
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Various
Malta
Malta
Contact
Assistant Planning Officer