GozoNews.Com

Alternattiva Demokratika has called for the introduction of a shuttle bus service between Malta International Airport, Cirkewwa and Mgarr to make travelling to Gozo easier.

“An essential service for all people travelling to and from Gozo from abroad would be to have a shuttle bus service from the airport to Cirkewwa and preferably to the terminal in Mgarr and/or Victoria and vice versa,” Dr Harry Vassallo, AD’s chairman, said yesterday. “This should include a check-in and luggage handling service.”

Victor Galea, AD’s Gozo Regional Committee spokesman, added: “One of the advantages would be local business people and holiday-makers being able to leave their vehicles at home. This would result in a reduction in traffic and related pollution, wear and tear of the roads on both islands and even in the passengers’ stress levels.

“Tourists using the shuttle service would then be able to rent a vehicle directly in Gozo, sparing them the nightmare of having to find the way to the Cirkewwa terminal - often in adverse conditions - or of having to put up with the bullying of some taxi-drivers, bent on overcharging the ‘rich foreigners’. The Gozo economy certainly deserves better.”

Mr Galea suggested tickets for the ferry could be purchased on the bus or the fare could be included in the shuttle charge. He pointed out that the shuttle buses’ schedule would have to coincide with the ferry departures.

Neither Mgarr nor Cirkewwa terminals offer a pleasant welcome to visitors and both are likely to remain in an unacceptable state for many years to come, he said, adding that this was especially true at Mgarr, where there was not even a public convenience for those waiting to board the ferry.