The Malta Northern Region (Reġjun Tramuntana) is taking a strategic, data-driven approach to sustainable mobility through the creation of Accessible Bus Stops. At the core of this initiative is the development of a comprehensive data sharing framework that standardises transport data, clarifies stakeholder roles, ensures legal compliance, and lays the foundation for real-time, multimodal mobility optimisation by 2025.
To enable smarter, more integrated transport planning, the initiative focuses on establishing a robust data sharing framework that improves access to key datasets such as bus schedules, traffic flow, parking availability, and modal split metrics. The framework will outline responsibilities for both data owners, such as operators, regulators and infrastructure agencies, and data users - planners and application developers. Ensuring full compliance with GDPR and national legislation, a standardised data taxonomy will support consistency, while formal agreements, such as Memoranda of Understanding and Data Licensing Agreements, will secure long-term collaboration.
Bringing together five key project partners: Malta Public Transport, Transport Malta, Infrastructure Malta, Servizzi Ewropej f'Malta (SEM), and the Malta Northern Region Council, each plays a distinct role. From data provision and regulatory oversight to infrastructure planning and EU funding facilitation, a planned cost-benefit analysis using advanced modelling tools (EIT and MOMOS) will further support long-term urban mobility strategies. Resources are allocated across data management and urban planning teams, with funding sourced from national and EU channels, coordinated by SEM.
While challenges remain, particularly in securing consistent access to national-level transport data, this initiative lays vital groundwork for a more connected, responsive, and citizen-focused mobility system. By embedding data sharing into regional planning, the project not only enhances transport efficiency but also strengthens Malta’s alignment with its Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) and long-term climate goals.
Innovative elements
- Data-Driven Urban Planning
- The use of EIT and MOMOS models for cost-benefit and scenario analysis represents a cutting-edge approach to transport planning. These tools allow stakeholders to model different infrastructure or policy choices and assess their impact, enabling evidence-based investment decisions.
Success factors
- Clear Data Governance and Legal Compliance
- The establishment of a robust data sharing framework, with clearly defined roles for data owners and users, is critical. Compliance with GDPR and national data legislation builds trust, ensures lawful data use, and sets a replicable standard for future smart mobility projects.
- Data Standardisation
- The use of a common data taxonomy for transport data supports interoperability across platforms and stakeholders. This standardisation enhances data quality, enables better integration into planning tools, and reduces duplication or fragmentation.
Enablers
- The Malta Northern Region Council (Reġjun Tramuntana)
- As the project initiator and regional coordinator, the Malta Northern Region Council (Reġjun Tramuntana) is a local broker to align national stakeholders, integrate shared transport data into regional planning, and provide political leadership to ensure coherence with local sustainability priorities.
- Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration
- Coordination between five core partners: Malta Public Transport, Transport Malta, Infrastructure Malta, Servizzi Ewropej f'Malta (SEM), and the Malta Northern Region Council enables the progressive development of the project. Each plays a distinct role, from providing and regulating data to funding and implementing infrastructure.
- Access to Sustainable Funding
- The Accessible Bus Stops Initiative is backed by national and EU funding channels and facilitated by SEM, providing a clear financing pathway. Dedicated resources for both data management and urban planning teams ensure the operational capacity needed for implementation and scaling.
Resources needed
- Malta Public Transport and Transport Malta Data
- As the national public transport operator and regulator, Malta Public Transport and Transport Malta enable the initiative by supplying critical operational and system-level data resources, such as bus schedules, telematics, and regulatory insights.