The schedule of crossings by fast ferries between Malta and Gozo will be extended well into the evening as from Wednesday. The extension was announced by Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri and Transport Minister Aaron Farrugia in Facebook posts. Gozo Fast Ferry and Virtu Gozo which share the same schedule, offer 45-minute trips from Valletta to Gozo, with the last ferry from Valletta currently leaving at 4.30 pm, and the one in Mġarr casting off for 5 pm. On Saturdays and Sundays, the last ferry trip from Valletta trip is at 6 pm. In separate Facebook posts, the ministers explained that until the European Commission decides on a request by Malta to consider the service as 'essential' (and therefore eligible for state aid) it had been decided to offer the service with a schedule "intended to serve primarily Gozitan workers and students". The two companies had reduced the number of crossings last year after saying in June that the services were not financially feasible and needed government intervention. The slashed timetable was strongly criticised by Gozitan business associations and student lobby groups and the Gozo Tourism Association. They complained that the absence of...
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