Around 10,000 people attending this year's Isle of MTV concert travelled home using public transport or ferry services, according to Sustainable Mobility Minister Chris Bonett, who said the event demonstrated growing public confidence in alternative transport options.

Replying to a parliamentary question by government MP Nigel Vella, Bonett said around 40,000 people attended the annual concert and praised the coordinated efforts of Transport Malta enforcement officers and the police in managing traffic before and after the event.

The minister said traffic management around Isle of MTV had improved significantly over the past three years, noting that previous editions had generated numerous complaints about congestion after the concert.

"We have had a very smooth entrance and a very smooth exit," Bonett said, attributing the improvement to the joint coordination between Transport Malta enforcement officers and the police.

Bonett also outlined the extensive public transport arrangements put in place for the event. He said 12 dedicated bus routes operated on the night, while a further six routes ran additional late-night services. In total, 135 extra bus trips were operated after the concert, carrying around 7,500 passengers.

Ferry services were also extended until 2am. Bonett said the Harbour Ferry continued operating later than usual, while the fast ferry added three extra trips, transporting more than 2,200 passengers.

The minister acknowledged criticism over a gap in the fast ferry timetable, particularly affecting passengers travelling to Gozo. Referring to a media report about a passenger who experienced delays, Bonett said there had been a service gap between 10.30pm and midnight, forcing some people to wait.

He said the issue had been identified and would be addressed for next year's event.

Bonett added that taxi services and Y-plate vehicles had also coped well with demand.

He argued that the figures showed the public was increasingly willing to use alternative transport for major events and said the challenge now was to encourage similar behaviour in everyday travel.

"If these are the signs we are seeing, they are very encouraging," he said.