Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544773
2 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 6 MAY 2026 NEWS ELECTION 2026 New fast ferry service linking Gozo, Bugibba and Sliema inaugurated PRIME Minister Robert Abela on Tuesday inaugurated a new fast ferry service linking Sliema to Bugibba and onwards to Gozo. Abela was accompanied by Gozo and Planning Minister Clint Camilleri and Transport Minister Chris Bonett during the launch. The prime minister said the ser- vice between Sliema and Bugibba will be free of charge, meaning all public transport in Malta — both land and sea — will now be offered at no cost. Trips will take 30 minutes from one destination to the other. "At a time when many countries are scaling back public services due to austerity measures across Europe, the government's decision to expand services and make them free is a clear reflection of our pro- gressive values," Abela said. He added that the new route will provide Gozitan commuters with additional options when travelling to Malta, with stops in two more localities alongside existing con- nections at Ċirkewwa and Valletta. The service forms part of the gov- ernment's Tallinja bil-Baħar net- work, which is expected to expand further in the coming months. Plans include a new route connect- ing Marsaskala to Valletta, pending completion of infrastructure works at the Wied il-Għajn ferry landing. Abela noted that more than 1.5 million passengers have used the Harbour Ferry service since it was made free just over two years ago. He said maritime transport is a key pillar of the government's "Malta in Motion" plan, aimed at improving mobility through better integration between ferries, buses, cycling and walking infrastructure, as well as future transport initia- tives. The government is also plan- ning significant investment in the Gozo Channel service, including increasing the number of vessels and introducing ships with cleaner technology. "This multi-million euro invest- ment will be complemented by improved public transport services in Gozo, in addition to the air taxi service between the islands," Abela said. A task force has already been set up to analyse operations at Mġarr harbour to ensure long-term sus- tainability as connectivity to Gozo continues to be strengthened Abela added that the Malta Vi- sion 2050 outlines key targets for Gozo, building on the "Gozo — island of villages" strategy, which is set to be updated to better align with the broader national vision. Addressing the press conference, Chris Bonett said the project high- lights government's transportation policy in seeking solutions while recognising the complexity of the sector.He announced a new cir- cular bus in Bugibba, linked to the fast-ferry departure times. This was done, he said, in order to en- sure different mass transport ser- vices are linked for better mobility. "Last year 1.2 million passengers used the fast ferries, showing that when people see a value in a ser- vice provided to them that service is used. It will be a slow transition, I don't expect it to happen over- night, but I am sure it will be suc- cessful," he said. Transport Malta CEO Kurt Far- rugia also addressed the press con- ference. KARL AZZOPARDI kazzopardi@mediatoday.com.mt The new ferry service started operating yesterday (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday) Momentum calls on KM Airlines to set up specific election booking system MOMENTUM expressed their concern at the situation faced by Maltese voters abroad who are attempting to return to Malta to vote in the upcoming election. The party called on KM Air- lines and the relevant authorities to immediately introduce an on- line booking system specifically for election-related travel which is capable of handling the de- mand through multiple booking channels. They also requested clear and timely communication to voters on how to access these services once they have been introduced. "Democracy must be accessi- ble to all," read the statement. "Administrative shortcomings should never stand between citi- zens and their right to vote." While Momentum acknowl- edged that KM Airlines intro- duced discounted fares for votes, they insisted that it is unaccept- able that the booking process is restricted to a telephone hot- line which they claim is clearly struggling to cope with demand, citing a number of reports from voters making dozens of unsuc- cessful calls. "Momentum believes that every eligible voter should be able to participate in elections without facing avoidable obsta- cles. The current situation risks disenfranchising voters abroad and undermining confidence in the process," Momentum com- mittee member Graziella Spiteri said. EVA BRANNON ebrannon@mediatoday.com.mt The party called for KM Airlines and the relevant authorities to immediately introduce an online booking system specifically for election-related travel (Photo: Momentum)