If you like feel having lunch at Sliema before an appointment at SmartCity in Kalkara, you may soon be able to catch a water taxi or ferry service to reach both destinations on time.

The two services, launched by Transport Minister Austin Gatt yesterday, form part of the public transport reform.

Describing both initiatives as a great challenge, Dr Gatt said the two services should help ease traffic congestion while improving mobility within the Grand Harbour area without having to use a car.

A study will be carried out to earmark embarkation areas for the water taxis, which will be able to operate on a 24-hour basis. According to the regulations, published recently in the Government Gazette and backdated to March 1, the taxis will be able to carry a maximum of 13 passengers and should operate in all weather conditions.

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 is €5 for a trip in the same port for up to two passengers, with an extra €2.50 for each additional passenger.

Trips to other zones will cost €40 for up to two passengers and €10 for each additional passenger.

Tours around the island will cost a maximum €40 per hour for two passengers and an extra €10 per passenger or hour.

Boats licensed by the Malta Maritime Authority will ferry passengers from one point to another. Operators and the crew will also need a licence issued by the authority.

MMA CEO Stanley Portelli said the ferry service should start running within a year, adding that the authority was negotiating with the company that won the tender. However, he said, if an agreement was not reached, the authority was ready to initiate the service itself.

The service would operate between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. and the fare should be about €1 with a discount for the elderly, students and frequent users, Dr Portelli said. A number of embarkation areas have already been identified, including Sliema, Gżira, Valletta, Haywharf, Vittoriosa, Senglea and Kalkara.

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