A permanent route which will significantly improve the service for Gozitan University students travelling to the main campus of the University of Malta has been launched. This initiative arose from extensive discussions with the Gozitan University Group (GUG) and a strong need to address the transportation issues that Gozitan students face.
This was announced by Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Aaron Farrugia, and Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri.
Discussions with the Gozo University Group (GUG) had revealed a number of issues affecting existing transportation options. Thus, a direct route between Ċirkewwa and University has been launched. This route will utilise bypasses such as the Mellieħa and St. Paul’s Bay bypass, with only two stops along the way guaranteeing the fastest possible service. Government will be investing over €210,000 annually to provide this service.
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its citizens, particularly Gozitan students pursuing an education at the University of Malta. The new express bus route will provide all Gozitan students with more convenience, shorter travel times, and greater accessibility.
Minister Aaron Farrugia reiterated the government’s commitment to continue to incentivise and encourage more people to use alternative means of transport. He explained how through this route a significant number of cars will be reduced from the roads because students were offered a practical alternative.
“People are expecting practical alternatives for them to make use of instead of their personal car. This X300 route offers exactly this as it will be reducing a number of extra stops for Gozitan university students. We will continue to announce initiatives that complement not only the investment we announced marking an increase in our public transport bus fleet, but also infrastructural investments that will support our vision in favour of alternative means of transport,” concluded Minister Farrugia.
Minister Clint Camilleri stated “As a government, we are investing in order to offer the direct X300 service from Ċirkewwa to University and back. We believe that we should facilitate the transportation of Gozitan students who choose to continue their studies in Malta. Students have always been and still are a priority to this Government. Although we launched the fast ferry service, we did not stop there; we continued to discuss and explore ways to improve the connection between the islands.”
Minister Camilleri emphasised that strengthening accessibility is one of the government’s top priorities, as well as a key focus for the Ministry for Gozo for the next ten years. This commitment aims to enhance the quality of life for both Gozitans and Gozo residents.
From her end, GUG President, Christine Sultana stated that GUG has maintained a consistent focus on addressing transportation issues faced by fellow students. Their recent efforts have been particularly dedicated to the revival of the X300 route, with a specific emphasis on accommodating daily commuters. She continued that this launch is a step in the right direction, and GUG is committed to continue working towards the enhancement of transportation infrastructure to better accommodate Gozitan student’s lives in Malta. “GUG has been and will continue to be an organisation by the students, for the students,” concluded Christine Sultana.
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