In the third quarter of this year, sea transport between Gozo and Malta registered decreases in commuters and in trips.

In the third quarter of 2008, commuters between Gozo and Malta decreased by 0.3 per cent, totalling 1,302,093 when compared to the same period in 2007.

Conversely, the number of vehicles carried by scheduled vessels went up by two per cent, totalling 331,334.

The number of trips in the third quarter stood at 5,667, implying a decrease of 1.3 per cent over the comparable period last year. The highest number of trips was recorded in August – 1,992 or 35.2 per cent of the total number of trips for the period under review.

During the third quarter, the Gaudos and the Malita decreased their trips by 490 and 47 respectively, when compared to the corresponding period last year. Conversely, the Ta’ Pinu vessel increased its trips by 463 , partly compensating for the decrease in the load of the other two vessels.

Charts 1 and 2 above show the monthly average number of passengers and vehicles per trip respectively, in respect of each vessel. Malita ‘s average is consistently higher than that of the other two vessels, due to its greater vehicle-carrying capacity.

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