AD calls for proper bus service in Gozo

Alternattiva Demokratika is encouraging all local councils in Gozo to work hand-in-hand with local associations to promote alternatives to the private car.

Gozo, it said, was in desperate need of a truly sustainable public transport service. Except for the bus service from and to Victoria and Mgarr, and in the summer from and to Victoria and Marsalforn and Xlendi, the service to other villages was either unreliable or inexistent.

The bus service seemed to be exclusive to the few tourists visiting Ggantija, the Cittadella, Ta' Pinu and perhaps Marsalforn, Dwejra or Xlendi, AD said.

Workers went to work either in Victoria or in Malta using their own transport, simply because the bus service between villages was non-existent.

The current monopoly in Gozo seemed to be another area successive governments and local authorities never dared or bothered to address.

AD chairman Harry Vassallo said: "This summer, not only Gozitans driving through Victoria experienced chaos but also Maltese visitors noticed the bottlenecks at the Republic Street/Marsalforn Road junction, at Main Gate Street and St Francis Square, as well as the traffic jams which resulted in the two-way narrow street extending from Savina Square to Republic Street."