Gozitan students have had no other choice but to cross to Malta using the Gozo Channel services, following the cancellation of both Virtu Ferries Gozo and Gozo Fast Ferry’s services for today, the Gozo University Group said.
It stressed that, “a times like these, the suspension of route X300 from operation has a significant impact on the lives of students who use the Malta Public Transport Services to get from Cirkewwa to Msida and back.”
The GUG said in a statement that, “route X300, which was suspended a few weeks ago, was undoubtedly very beneficial to students not only because it was a direct route but also because it was designed for the needs of students.”
“We understand that there is an alternative of choosing a different bus route, such as the X1 route.” Nevertheless, the GUG said, “we are very much concerned with all the complaints we are getting lately. This route follows several stops, and for this reason, the X1 is often full, leaving students at bus stops waiting for hours.”
It added that there were times when students reported that the X1 bus did not show up at all and would have to find other alternative means of commuting.
“This is in fact what happened to a couple of students yesterday, who had to wait until 16:45pm after the 16:08pm bus never showed up. When it finally arrived, the bus driver just kept on going and did not make his stop, leaving students stranded at the bus stop,” the GUG said.
“We believe that the X300 was the most efficient route and which is presently very much desired by many students. Yesterday, it was also brought to our attention that although the fast ferry services were suspended, the 300 bus route which is linked with the fast ferry schedule was still operating all day,” it said.
The GUG concluded by saying that it is currently in discussions with the Malta Public Transport Authority, with the goal of reintroducing the X300 and improving the X1 route.