From Mr J. Portelli

Gozo is not like Malta.

We hear proposals for improvement in the public transport in Malta, but nothing of this sort is heard in Gozo. The public transport in Gozo is quasi non-existent.

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, you need a private car. I wish you could see the many people who drive their relatives to the ferry or pick them up, the trips made to take children to private lessons, and so on. I wish you could observe tourists waiting in vain at certain bus stops. Or to experience for yourself the total absence of public transport in the afternoon, late evening and early morning. Certain routes like Victoria to Imgarr have adequate trips; from Victoria to the villages in the mornings somewhat less. But then vacuum reigns.

Why does the government or the party in Opposition not study or propose what can be done about public transport in Gozo, maybe transport using mini buses? Are they afraid? Or lazy? Or, perhaps, they are just not concerned?

One can argue that public transport in Gozo is not viable because many people have their own car. But this is a public service. And what about those people without a car? And what about tourists who don’t drive and want to explore Gozo?

An improvement in the public transport in Gozo will improve the life of those people who do not own a car. It will also help tourism in Gozo because it will attract tourists who want to explore Gozo without a car. It will also alleviate the parking problem and help to reduce emissions.

Joe Portelli

Nadur