Connection To Main Island
Currently the island can be reached by ferry boat. Passenger and car ferries cross on a regular basis between the port of Mġarr on Gozo and Ċirkewwa in the island of Malta. This service is used for goods, tourism and commuting (Gozitan students study at the University of Malta). As a concession residents of Gozo are able to use the ferry at a subsidised rate, significantly lower than the standard fare. The sea plane operates from Valletta to Mgarr harbour. There was previously a helicopter service which connected the two, but this ceased in 2006.
The connection between the two islands is heavily used. Around 1.1 million cars travel on the current transport links per year, and many more foot passengers.
Several proposals have been made to construct a road link between Malta and Gozo. In 1972 the newly elected Socialist Administration carried out a feasibility study which concluded that the building of a bridge between the two islands was possible but would have negative environmental effects. A tunnel was also considered but found to be too expensive at the time. An online poll by The Times of Malta in 2006 found that 55% of respondents supported a road link.
An airstrip on Gozo was proposed in the 1990s, but rejected for environmental reasons.
Read more about this topic: Gozo Island
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