Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1547491
FOOT passengers using the Gozo Channel service will be entitled to free travel from Jan- uary 1, 2027, Prime Minister Robert Abela has announced. The measure will apply to Maltese citizens, Gozitans, EU nationals and long-term non- EU residents travelling between Ċirkewwa and Mġarr. Abela made the announce- ment during a parliamentary speech on Tuesday, describing the initiative as a significant step forward in improving con- nectivity between the two is- lands. The government had pledged to introduce free ferry travel for pedestrians during the 2026 general election campaign. At present, passengers travel- ling on foot pay €4.65 for a re- turn ticket. However, the new arrangement will not extend to tourists, who are expected to face higher fares from next year. Under the changes announced as part of Budget 2027, adult tourists travelling on foot will pay €11, while children's tickets will cost €7. Tourists travelling with a car will be charged €22. The announcement comes amid increased passenger traf- fic on the Gozo Channel route. Figures published by the Na- tional Statistics Office show that overall passenger numbers, including motorists, rose by al- most 20% between July and Sep- tember compared to the same period last year. The government has de- scribed the free travel measure as a new chapter in transport links between Malta and Gozo, while the revised tourist fares will introduce a different pric- ing structure for visitors using the service. 6 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 6 NOVEMBER 2026 NEWS Gozo Channel foot passengers to travel free from January 2027 Maltese citizens, EU nationals and long-term residents will no longer have to pay to cross between Malta and Gozo on foot, Robert Abela announces The measure will apply to Maltese citizens, Gozitans, EU nationals and long-term non-EU residents travelling between Cirkewwa and Mgarr