In the metaCCAZE project, Malta and its sister island Gozo, are a small but significant use case for exploring how autonomous public transport can contribute to the transition toward net-zero emissions. Like many island communities, the Maltese Islands face several mobility and environmental challenges. With limited land area and a growing dependence on cars, the islands’ transport system is under increasing strain. Seasonal tourism adds further pressure, dramatically increasing the number of vehicles on the road during peak months. At the same time, the islands rely heavily on imported fossil fuels, making the transport sector a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. It is clear that change is needed, but how we shape that change is just as important as the technologies we adopt.
Autonomous transport can offer promising solutions. It has the potential to improve road safety, reduce emissions and increase efficiency. In places like Malta and Gozo, the island scale creates opportunities for piloting innovative systems, with shorter routes and more controlled settings. However, smart vehicles alone cannot resolve the complex social, infrastructural and environmental issues at play. Without smart, inclusive policy, we risk reinforcing old patterns with new tools. That is why metaCCAZE places a strong emphasis on collaborative, people-first planning. Smart mobility must be co-designed with the full ecosystem of stakeholders, including public authorities, private operators, NGOs, citizens and academic institutions. Each group brings valuable knowledge and perspectives, including technical expertise and lived experiences. Building inclusive and responsive systems depends on meaningful participation at every stage, from design to deployment. Thus, meaningful participation from all sectors is essential to ensure mobility solutions are inclusive, equitable, and truly responsive to local needs.
A truly smart mobility future must be:
- Community-driven, with local voices, especially underserved or marginalised groups, that can play a part in shaping solutions.
- Integrated, ensuring diverse modes such as ferries, buses, walking and cycling paths, e-scooters, and autonomous vehicles work as part of a coherent system.
- Climate-aligned, ensuring the autonomous and electric vehicles are powered by clean energy and aligned with net-zero goals.
- Clearly regulated, with transparent frameworks for safety, data availability and use, and public-private partnerships to support sustainable transport services.
Autonomous vehicles may help shape tomorrow’s transport, but they will only do so effectively if supported by smart, people-centred policy. In the coming months, as a follower city in the metaCCAZE project, Malta will be hosting workshops with citizens and stakeholders, building upon the insights of Trailblazer Cities to co-develop sustainable, inclusive mobility solutions tailored to the island context.
Authors: Karyn Scerri & Prof. Maria Attard from the Institute for Climate Change and Sustainable Development (University of Malta)
