Prime Minister Robert Abela has inaugurated a new fast ferry service connecting Sliema to Buġibba and extending onwards to Gozo, describing it as part of the government's effort to expand free and integrated public transport across the islands.
Accompanied by Gozo and Planning Minister Clint Camilleri and Transport Minister Chris Bonett, Abela announced that the Sliema-Buġibba leg will be free of charge. This means that all public transport in Malta - both land and sea - will now be offered at no cost to users.
Speaking at the launch, Abela framed the initiative as a contrast to austerity measures being implemented elsewhere in Europe. He said the government's decision to expand services while removing user charges reflects what he called Malta's "progressive direction".
The new route is also expected to improve connectivity for Gozitan commuters, he said. In addition to existing direct links to Ċirkewwa and Valletta, passengers travelling between Gozo and Malta will now have the option to stop in Sliema and Buġibba, broadening access to key commercial and residential areas.
Abela said the service forms part of the wider "Malta in Motion" strategy, which aims to create a more integrated and multimodal transport system. Plans include further expansion of sea transport services, including a future route linking Marsaskala with Valletta once infrastructure works at the Marsaskala ferry landing are completed.
The Prime Minister noted that the Harbour Ferry service, which has also been operating free of charge, has carried more than 1.5 million passengers in just over two years. He said this demonstrates growing public demand for maritime transport as an alternative to road travel.
Looking ahead, Abela outlined plans to strengthen the Gozo Channel service through significant investment in additional vessels and cleaner technology. He added that improved public transport services within Gozo and a proposed air taxi link between the islands are also under consideration.
A taskforce has been set up to review operations at Mġarr harbour, with a focus on ensuring long-term sustainability as connectivity to Gozo continues to increase
Also speaking at the event, Chris Bonett highlighted key achievements in Malta's transport sector, emphasising progress over promises. He expressed particular pride in recent developments, stating that "today is the moment which I am most proud of over the past two years".
Bonnett said that while change in transport will not happen overnight, steady improvements - "route by route, connection by connection" - are already making a difference. He pointed to the success of the Valletta fast ferry to Gozo, which exceeded expectations with over 1.2 million passengers last year, as proof that strategic planning can work.