The government is determined to take the necessary steps so that the fast ferry service, which started a little over a year ago, continues in a way that is offering the best service for the needs of the Gozitans and the Maltese, as well as the economy of Gozo.
This service, which started in moments of international upheaval, is offering another alternative for traveling between the two islands – an alternative that brings many advantages including less hassle for the Gozo people and less use of cars making the journeys between the two islands.
Despite this, the operators of this service faced extraordinary difficulties due to the effects of international challenges. It was for this purpose that the authorities entered into talks with the operators with the aim that the government supports the service at this moment so that it is not only continued, but strengthened and more frequently.
For this purpose, the government is discussing with the European Commission to help with a public service contract for the next two years.
The proposed public service contract has a value of €12 million over two years.
For their part, the operators are committing themselves that if this contract is approved they will provide this necessary service according to the needs of the Maltese and Gozitan people, and there is also an agreement that in this case a new schedule will be started with the agreed prices that the operators cannot move from.
The government is choosing to financially support this service because it is considered beneficial for society and the environment and because it started operating in extraordinary times of pandemic and war which had a strong negative impact. That is why the aid is focused on the next two years.
As part of the agreement, another measure of the electoral manifesto (number 480) will be introduced through which those patients who are receiving medical treatment at the Mater Dei Hospital or the Gozo General Hospital will use the service free of charge.
This service also offers a number of economic and environmental benefits. The fact that its departure point is located in a central location in Valletta further encourages tourists to visit Gozo.
This service is also incentivizing the customer to make use of public transport, which from tomorrow will be free for everyone, or by bicycle, as the possibility of traveling by car does not exist with this service.
Above all, it is also convenient for Gozitan workers who work in Malta. Every day, a large number of Gozitan workers such as nurses and teachers make use of this service to come to work in Malta, and through it they save the journey from and to Cirkewwa every day.
The government believes in this service which has received a good response, so much so that a discussion arose in a Parliament committee about the need to continue and strengthen it.
The aim is that with this agreement at this stage the basis is laid for a service that is sustainable and efficient for a long time.
File photo: Fast ferry services
