Gozo residents can travel to Valletta and back using Gozo Fast Ferry Ltd’s high-speed passenger service for €4.50 from June 1, while anyone with a Tallinja adult or student card can make the return trip for €7.99.
Passengers in possession of a Tallinja child card or concession card can make the return trip for €3.99, while cyclists can take up their bicycle for free, the company said as it announced its new fares.
In preparing its ferry rates and schedule, Gozo Fast Ferry has put a strong emphasis on affordability and easy interconnection using the different modes of transport available at the two landing ports in Valletta and Mġarr, Gozo.
The schedule and fares were drawn up following extensive consultation meetings with stakeholders to ensure an affordable, flexible, reliable commute that will include shuttle bus services to key locations such as the University of Malta and Mater Dei Hospital.
“What emerged from these consultation meetings is that this new fast ferry service will finally offer commuters value for money, peace of mind and additional time to enjoy with their family, or to dedicate to work or pleasure. This can have a really big impact, especially on those who travel frequently between Malta and Gozo,” a company spokesperson said.
As part of its vision to address climate change and alleviate traffic from Malta’s roads, Gozo Fast Ferry Ltd has been collaborating with Malta Public Transport, the operator of the bus service, to ensure users are offered a value-added, seamless, interoperable and fast journey.
The journey, which will take under 45 minutes, will be linked to the bus schedule and the company has also taken into consideration the times students and workers need to get to their final destination in Malta.
During weekdays, the first catamaran will leave Mġarr at 5.45am arriving in Valletta at 6.30am, with the last journey scheduled for 11.45pm and reaching the capital at 12.30am. The first service from Valletta is at 6.45am, with the final journey at 12.45am.
On weekends and public holidays, the service starts from Mġarr at 6.45am or 7.30am from Valletta, with the last trip at 11.45pm from Gozo and 12.45am from Malta, allowing commuters enough time to enjoy dinner on either side of the island.
Gozo Fast Ferry Ltd — backed by Bianchi Group and Merill Investments — has invested in two modern vessels capable of carrying 300 passengers per trip, which provide wheelchair access, and enable users to board with their bicycles.