Over one million passengers have used the Gozo fast ferry so far this year

More than one million passengers used the fast ferry service between Malta and Gozo in the first 11 months of the year, the transport ministry has said.

In a statement, the ministry said more than 1.15 million people had used the service between January and the end of November, “reflecting a new record and a substantial increase on last year’s numbers”.

Last year, just under 980,000 people took the fast ferry service between Valletta and Mġarr, according to the National Statistics Office.

The ministry said the passenger numbers “confirm the need for this service and the importance of this means of transport in strengthening connectivity between different localities".

It noted that new ferry routes were due to start operating over the coming year, with connections between Malta and Gozo doubling with the addition of new fast ferry services to Gozo from Sliema and Buġibba.

Transport Minister Chris Bonett said works were underway to build a new ferry landing in Marsascala, with plans to link the locality with Valletta, adding that investments in circular buses and park and rides were being integrated into a “multi-modal transport system” for the country.

A recent survey found that around three-fifths (59%) of Marsascala residents think the Valletta ferry is a good idea, while others have raised environmental concerns about the new ferry terminal.