1 comment.Zero-emission electric buses now operating in Gozo – Minister
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Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri announced that Malta Public Transport has started operating the public transport service in Gozo with zero-emission electric buses.
He said that ”this €11 million investment reflects a major achievement towards cleaner and more sustainable mobility on the island of Gozo.”
The launch took place at the new electric car charging depot which forms part of the Multi-Modal Hub and Park and Ride in Ta’ Xhajma, Gozo. Present for the launch were Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri, together with Transport Malta CEO Kurt Farrugia, and Malta Public Transport Chairman Felipe Cosmen.
Minister Clint Camilleri stated that “today we are inaugurating another important step towards cleaner and sustainable public transport in Gozo. The Government has always been committed to continuing to invest in the transition towards cleaner transport. The electrification of buses in Gozo is part of this commitment. Above all, it is a step closer to the ambitious goal of making Gozo carbon neutral.”
He added that ”this €11 million investment is the largest ever made in public transport in Gozo and represents an important achievement with the full electrification of the public transport service on the island.”
“From today, all diesel buses in Gozo have been replaced with new zero-emission electric vehicles. This is made possible by the installation of a smart charger infrastructure that allows the fleet to be charged overnight. These electric buses will mean lower emissions and cleaner air in our villages, quieter roads in communities, and a better quality of life for all residents and visitors,” the Minister said.
The Multi-Modal Hub in Ta’ Xhajma will now also serve as a charging depot for the electric buses operated in Gozo by Malta Public Transport.
“This means that we are putting in place the necessary infrastructure to support the shift towards a cleaner and more modern fleet. This project is not only about charging buses, but also about reducing emissions, improving air quality, and making more efficient use of this strategic facility,” said the Minister.
It was explained that this project was the result of collaboration between various entities including the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works, Transport Malta, and the Directorate of Environmental Innovation and Greening within the Ministry for Gozo and Planning, where the existing electrical infrastructure was complemented by the installation of additional fast chargers that are used to charge buses overnight.
Minister Camilleri also announced that from the 31st of May, routes 302 and 303 will begin serving the Ta’ Xhajma facility on their way to and from Victoria. Given that both routes operate every hour, this means two services per hour to Victoria. Routes 302 and 303 also serve localities such as Nadur, Ramla, Xewkija, Ghajnsielem and Qala. Therefore, those using the hub can park their vehicle and continue their journey by public transport.
The Minister concluded by saying that ”with this investment the Government is continuing to prepare Gozo for a cleaner, more connected and more efficient transport system. With a fully electric public transport fleet, Gozo has become among the first islands in Europe to make this transition, and is setting a clear example of how islands can choose the path towards more sustainable mobility.”
Photo: DOI
Brilliant timing. With a projected 20% increase in tourists this summer what is MT and Government response? A 20% decrease in passenger seating . The 310 service to and from Marsalforn was already inadequate with drivers being obliged to carry more than the legally permitted number of passengers. Perhaps those responsible should be obliged to travel once a week at a busy time just to see what sort of infrastructure they are providing workers, residents and tourists in and out of one of the key hubs.