The Minister for Gozo and Planning, Clint Camilleri, announced that Malta Public Transport has begun operating the public transport service in Gozo with zero-emission electric buses.
This €11 million investment reflects a major achievement towards cleaner and more sustainable mobility on the island of Gozo, the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
The launch of the fleet took place at the new electric bus charging depot forming part of the Multi-Modal Hub and Park and Ride facility at Ta’ Xħajma, Gozo. Present for the launch were the Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri, together with Transport Malta CEO Kurt Farrugia and Malta Public Transport Chairman Felipe Cosmen.
Minister Clint Camilleri stated, “Today we are inaugurating another important step towards cleaner and more sustainable public transport in Gozo. The Government has always been committed to continuing investment in the transition towards cleaner transport. The electrification of buses in Gozo forms part of this commitment. Above all, it is another step closer towards the ambitious goal of making Gozo carbon neutral.” He added that this €11 million investment is the largest ever made in public transport in Gozo and represents an important achievement through the full electrification of the island’s public transport service.
“From today, diesel-powered buses in Gozo have all been replaced with new zero-emission electric vehicles. This is possible through the installation of smart charging infrastructure that allows the fleet to be charged overnight. These electric buses will mean lower emissions and cleaner air in our villages, quieter roads in communities, and a better quality of life for all residents and visitors,” the Minister stated.
The Multi-Modal Hub at Ta’ Xħajma will now also serve as a charging depot for the electric buses operated in Gozo by Malta Public Transport. “This means that we are putting in place the necessary infrastructure to support the shift towards a cleaner and more modern fleet. This project is not only about charging buses, but also about reducing emissions, improving air quality, and making more efficient use of this strategic facility,” said Minister Clint Camilleri.
This project was the result of collaboration between several entities, including the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works, Transport Malta, and the Environmental Innovation and Greening Directorate within the Ministry for Gozo and Planning, where the existing electrical infrastructure was complemented by the installation of additional fast chargers used to charge the buses overnight.
Transport Malta CEO Kurt Farrugia said, “The electrification of the bus fleet in Gozo sends a clear message that sustainability and progress must go hand in hand. Innovation is no longer something we speak about as a distant ambition. It is happening here, today, in practical and visible ways. This project also demonstrates what can be achieved through long-term vision, collaboration, and commitment. The transformation of an entire public transport fleet requires planning, infrastructure, investment, and trust in new technologies.” He concluded by saying that the charging depot being inaugurated today is far more than a simple facility: it is the centre of a new transport ecosystem designed for the future.
Minister Clint Camilleri also announced that from 31 May 2026, routes 302 and 303 will begin serving the Ta’ Xħajma facility on their way to and from Victoria, Gozo. Since both routes operate hourly, this means two services per hour to Victoria. Routes 302 and 303 also serve localities such as Nadur, Ramla, Xewkija, Għajnsielem, and Qala. Therefore, users of the hub may park their vehicle and continue their journey by public transport.
Malta Public Transport Chairman Felipe Cosmen said, “Gozo is a unique place. An island of beauty, character, and tranquillity, where heritage, community, and nature are integral parts of daily life. Public transport in Gozo has been part of people’s lives for more than one hundred years. Today, Malta Public Transport has taken an important step forward as part of the island’s journey towards sustainability with a completely electric bus service.” He continued by saying that Malta Public Transport remains committed to supporting Gozo’s wider sustainability goals while continuing to improve the public transport experience for everyone.
Minister Clint Camilleri concluded by saying that through this investment the Government is continuing to prepare Gozo for a cleaner, more connected, and more efficient transport system. With its public transport fleet now fully electric, Gozo has become one of the first islands in Europe to carry out this transition, setting a clear example of how islands can choose the path towards more sustainable mobility.