New fast ferry service linking Gozo, Bugibba and Sliema inaugurated

Prime Minister Robert Abela on Tuesday inaugurated a new fast ferry service linking Sliema to Bugibba and onwards to Gozo.

Abela was accompanied by Gozo and Planning Minister Clint Camilleri and Transport Minister Chris Bonett during the launch.

The prime minister said the service between Sliema and Bugibba will be free of charge, meaning all public transport in Malta — both land and sea — will now be offered at no cost.

Trips will take 30 minutes from one destination to the other.

“At a time when many countries are scaling back public services due to austerity measures across Europe, the government’s decision to expand services and make them free is a clear reflection of our progressive values,” Abela said.

He added that the new route will provide Gozitan commuters with additional options when travelling to Malta, with stops in two more localities alongside existing connections at Ċirkewwa and Valletta.

The service forms part of the government’s Tallinja bil-Baħar network, which is expected to expand further in the coming months. Plans include a new route connecting Marsaskala to Valletta, pending completion of infrastructure works at the Wied il-Għajn ferry landing.

Abela noted that more than 1.5 million passengers have used the Harbour Ferry service since it was made free just over two years ago.

He said maritime transport is a key pillar of the government’s “Malta in Motion” plan, aimed at improving mobility through better integration between ferries, buses, cycling and walking infrastructure, as well as future transport initiatives.

The government is also planning significant investment in the Gozo Channel service, including increasing the number of vessels and introducing ships with cleaner technology.

“This multi-million euro investment will be complemented by improved public transport services in Gozo, in addition to the air taxi service between the islands,” Abela said.

A task force has already been set up to analyse operations at Mġarr harbour to ensure long-term sustainability as connectivity to Gozo continues to be strengthened

Abela added that the Malta Vision 2050 outlines key targets for Gozo, building on the “Gozo — island of villages” strategy, which is set to be updated to better align with the broader national vision.

Addressing the press conference, Chris Bonett said the project highlights government’s transportation policy in seeking solutions while recognising the complexity of the sector.

He announced a new circular bus in Bugibba, linked to the fast-ferry departure times. This was done, he said, in order to ensure different mass transport services are linked for better mobility.

“Last year 1.2 million passengers used the fast ferries, showing that when people see a value in a service provided to them that service is used. It will be a slow transition, I don’t expect it to happen overnight, but I am sure it will be successful,” he said.

Transport Malta CEO Kurt Farrugia also addressed the press conference.