One month after Gozo's public transport service has been fully electrified, Gozo's bus service has recorded more than 332,000 passenger journeys across more than 16,220 trips, demonstrating strong public uptake of the new zero-emission service, Malta Public Transport said Tuesday. This figure reflects an 11% increase in passenger usage when compared to the same timeframe last year, MPT added in a statement.
Gozo is the first island in Europe to operate a fully electric public transport fleet, and this initiative represents the largest investment in public transport that has ever taken place in Gozo.
The figures mark the first month of operations since Malta Public Transport completed the electrification of Gozo's entire public transport network, replacing all diesel buses with a fleet of modern electric vehicles supported by dedicated charging infrastructure, MPT said.
The strong passenger numbers come alongside significant environmental gains, with the fully electric fleet expected to eliminate around 1,300 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, making cleaner and quieter public transport a reality for Gozo.
Speaking about the milestone, Konrad Pulé, Malta Public Transport General Manager said: "The first month of operations has shown that the transition to electric mobility in Gozo is not only delivering environmental benefits but is also being embraced by residents and visitors alike. Recording over 332,000 passenger journeys is an encouraging indication of increasing trust in public transport. These early results show that environmental sustainability and efficient public transport can go hand in hand, delivering benefits for both the community and the environment."
Launched last month, the €11 million investment saw all diesel buses operating in Gozo replaced with new zero-emission electric buses, supported by smart charging infrastructure installed at the new charging depot within the Tax-Xhajma Park and Ride facility.
The project was delivered through collaboration between Malta Public Transport, the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works, the Authority for Transport in Malta, and the Eco-Gozo Directorate within the Ministry for Gozo.