The government is planning to introduce a scheduled ferry system operating around Malta within a year, Infrastructure Minister Austin Gatt said today.

Speaking at a press conference this morning, the minister said the purpose of the project was to reduce traffic congestion. The project would include provision for car parking in the ferry drop-off points.

Malta Maritime Authority CEO Stanley Portelli said the new service is expected to start within a year. The MMA is holding talks with a company which won the tender. The service, he said, will initially operate between Kalkara, Vittoriosa, Senglea, Valletta, Gzira and Sliema and then be extended to other areas.

The service will be offered between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. and during peak hours could be expected to operate every 15 minutes, with a fare of €1 and discounts for elderly persons, students and frequent users.

He said this project will be complemented by a water taxi service which will operate in terms of an MMA licence.

Dr Portelli said the service will operate on a 24 hour service using boats which could take up to 13 passengers. The island has been divided in six zones and trips from one zone to a neighbouring one will cost €15 for two passengers and €7.50 for each additional passenger. The fare for a trip within the same port or zone will be €5 for up to two passengers and €2.50 for each additional passenger. Trips to other zones will cost €40 for up to two passengers.