Gozo student organisations “not consulted” about stopping of X300 route

by Gozo News · June 2, 2021

Student organisations KSU and GUG, in a joint statement have welcomed yesterday’s launch of the fast service service between Gozo and Malta.

However, they said that Gozitan students have highlighted the news that bus route X300 will no longer be in operation because of the new ferry service.

The organisations said that “after dedicating so much time and effort to see this specialised route come into being, we are disappointed by this abrupt decision, a decision which we, as organisations representing the very students utilising this service, were not consulted about.”

KSU and GUG stated that, “although we believe that the new fast ferry service is going to be of great benefit to Gozitan students, we believe that this service can never replace route X300.”

They stressed that students should have the possibility to choose whichever option is most suitable for them, “whilst also taking into account the fact that due to bad weather conditions during winter, students may be left with only one choice (or if it comes to worst, no choice at all).”

The organisations went on to say that they are aware there is the alternative of choosing a different bus route from Cirkewwa to Msida (such as the X1 route). “Nevertheless, X300 was the most efficient one. This is because it was not only direct, but also specifically designed for the needs of the students.”

Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic and lectures being held online, we understand that this route might not have been used by many students, however, it was extremely advantageous for the few who had to attend physical lectures on campus, they said. “Having said that, if still in operation, this route could continue to be even more advantageous when tertiary institutions reopen as usual.”

The joint statement concluded by saying that “stopping such a beneficial route without due consideration has left GUG and KSU extremely dismayed, even more so, after all the work that was done by the Ministry for Gozo and the Ministry for Infrastructure and Transport in collaboration with GUG and KSU for this specific route to start to operate.”