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Speaking at a press Conference in Victoria, Alternattiva Demokratika Chairperson Dr Harry Vassallo said that the absence of an effective and reliable mass transit system in Malta is the result of culpable neglect by government after government which have failed to acknowledge that providing attractive and effective alternative to private cars is a basic duty of any public adminstration.

“The government’s lack of vision leaves households burdened with very significant and unnecessary costs, maintaining upwards pressure on wages, while allowing pollution levels and health costs to rise in parallel with the exorbitant number of vehicles on the road,” Dr Vassallo said.

“With the price of oil at $96 per barrel government has been caught out completely because it has not even begun to think of the mass transit system to keep the economy competitive. It is high time that the government escapes from the mindframe that it is in office to serve car importers and construction speculators only” Dr Vassallo added.

Dr Vassallo said that he was glad to be able to put forward the proposals of AD Gozo Regional Committee which has prepared 21 priority items as part of the policy it intends to follow when it is represented in parliament. These proposals were put forward following consultation with Gozo residents. Comments from the public are invited to ensure that Gozo secured for itself the public transport system it needed and wanted. Dr vassallo added.

Mr Victor Galea secretary general of the party said the policy document prepared by the AD Gozo Regional Committee covered the services required by all residents and visitors as well as those aimed at developing Gozo’s potential as a distinct visitor destination and hitech industry venue. “Everybody agrees that the bus service in Gozo is virtually derelict for the residents and a scandal for the independent tourist visiting the island. We have made specific proposals for its immediate improvement. We have proposed a direct checking service attached to the airport shuttle but which was recently introduced following our campaign on the issue. We have addressed the issue of ferry fares in order to attract more visitors to Gozo and the issues surrounding the Cargo Ferry service from Sa Maison. We have advocated the reintroduction of a fast catamaran or hydrofoil service to Sa Maison as well as a seaplane service to Marsalforn and direct links to Gozo with Sicily and other Mediterranean countries. We have been innovative in our proposals ranging from bicycle paths, cruise liner berthing, an airship facility to road making practices.” Galea said.

“We look forward to implementing these proposals through our representative elected to parliament to take mobility in Gozo from a state of neglect and abandonment where public transport between villages is inexistent, to a state of the art level which can set standards for the rest of the country” Vctor Galea said