Gozo businessmen critical of ferry fare increase

The 25c increase in Gozo ferry fares as from June will negatively affect Gozo and its residents, according to the Gozo Business Chamber.

The standard fare for all passengers except for Gozitan residents and Kartanzjan holders will go up to Lm6.50. The standard night fare for a car and driver will rise by 25c to Lm5.25.

The Gozo resident/car subsidised fare will go up to Lm3.25 and that for a senior citizen/car subsidised fare will become Lm5.25. Fares for these same categories will increase by a further 25c in June next year.

The other fares will not change.

The Gozo Business Chamber has expressed its concern about ferry price increases saying the ferry service is the lifeline of Gozo. Such increases affect not only Gozitans who have to cross over to Malta daily to go to work but also tourists who visit Gozo.

The chamber argued that there is no need for further fare increases because Gozo Channel, the operator of the ferry service, was not operating at a loss.

The chamber said the fare increase will discourage Maltese and tourists from crossing over to Gozo.