Labour pledges on-demand bus service for Gozo

Gozitans will be able to enjoy an on-demand bus service as part of a broader connectivity push for the island, if the Labour Party is re-elected.

Robert Abela made the pledge at a Labour Party rally in Xagħra, Gozo on Friday, where he gave a taster of the party’s 100-point plan for the island.

“Free public transport can’t stop at the channel,” he told supporters, promising that the Tal-Linja on-demand service will be extended to Gozo.

The PL rally in Xagħra. Photo: PL

To improve connectivity, Abela pledged to increase the number of Gozo Channel ferry trips and introduce an air taxi service between Malta and Gozo.

Abela also pledged investment in Mġarr Port and Marsalforn, turning the latter into a possible port stop for future ferry services.

Apart from connectivity, Abela pledged that all revenue from the eco-contribution would remain in Gozo and be invested in environmental and embellishment projects.

He also said a Labour government would give Gozitan businesses a €1,000 grant for every worker to promote reskilling or upskilling.

Abela briefly mentioned the creative industry in Gozo, and said that a re-elected Labour government will “give Gozo a new legacy on art, design and creativity”.

The Labour leader was preceded on stage by Rosianne Cutajar. She praised Labour’s record on Gozo, saying the island made giant leaps of progress under a Labour government.

Deo Debattista also spoke at the rally. He will be contesting the election for a fourth time, and before each election he has been asked to attend Labour’s Gozitan rallies. He jokingly suggested that he might be the party’s lucky charm on the 13th District.

Abela closed with a direct appeal to Gozitan families. “Your children deserve to have the same childhood you had in Gozo, but with better opportunities,” he said. “That can happen if you vote for us.”