Gozo Channel yesterday morning launched its Daily Commuter Card Scheme as part of the existing Frequent Traveller Schemes.
Although the scheme is open to any Gozo Channel passengers who travel by car, the main people who will benefit from the scheme will be those who travel between Malta and Gozo on a daily basis by car, for work purposes. The company is promoting itself as a “lifeline” – a vital link between Malta and Gozo.
Chairman Joseph Borg said Gozo Channel would like to fulfil its social dimension, which is an element directly linked to the service since the company’s operations depend on the economic, social and cultural life of Gozo.
At present, a return trip between the two islands by car costs Lm6.75 while the fare for Gozitan residents is Lm3.50. By using the Daily Commuter Travel Card, the price will be reduced to Lm2.50. Students and government employees, including Water Service Corporation and Enemalta employees get a refund when travelling between Malta and Gozo without a car.
The card’s value is Lm125 since it includes 50 return tickets and must be used within three months. Mr Borg explained that three months amount to around 65 days of work, taking into consideration holidays and days of leave or sick leave. So people who work on a daily basis may benefit from the scheme on 50 of those days, since holidays and days of leave or sick leave were taken into consideration.
An added convenience for commuters benefiting from this scheme is the fact that they will not have to wait in long queues to buy their ticket before boarding the ferry. The new terminal in Mgarr, Gozo, will also include a lane which will be used for the purposes of those who would have purchased a pre-paid ticket.
Applications for this card will be received as from tomorrow at the Gozo Channel offices in Mgarr, Gozo or Sa’ Maison in Malta. One may also download the application from the Gozo Channel website.
Mr Borg said that the Frequent Traveller Schemes, which were introduced to increase local tourists during the winter months, like the Immorru Ghawdex scheme and the night service since September 2005, have proven to be successful. The number of passengers increased by 2.6 per cent in the first six months of this year, while the number of vehicles increased by 4.8 per cent.
The company is striving to create new channels of communication with its clients and provide a better service, Mr Borg said. At the beginning of August, newsagent shops will be introduced on all Gozo Channel ferries, he announced.
Investment, Industry and Information Technology Minister Austin Gatt said that Gozo Channel would like to reward loyal clients who commute everyday by introducing this scheme which has been designed for their specific needs.
The government invested in a direct subsidy of Lm1,400,000 in the company, making it financially viable. Gozo Channel now offers quality service at reasonable fares, Dr Gatt said.
Mr Borg concluded that around 2,700,000 passengers passed through the Malta International Airport last year, while Gozo Channel passengers amount to around 3,500,000.
This makes one realise the importance of the Gozo Channel service in the national framework and the company would like to strive to always provide a better service for the benefit of the island of Gozo and the nation as a whole.