“GUG wishes to make clear, that we were never consulted regards this card nor when it will be issued. Some students asked the responsible authorities themselves, yet the answer was that this card was put ‘on hold’,” it said.

Many students since then have enquired about the card, asking for clarification on when it will be issued for use.

Gozo University Group even attempted to send an email to the relevant authorities but were left without a response. 

“An email was also sent to the Fast Ferry company who responded with the reply that this project has been put ‘on hold’ and suggested to reach out to the Minister for Education for more information,” it said.

“GUG is also appealing to the responsible authorities, for the card to be issued as soon as possible because this will decrease the financial amount used daily by Gozitan students to commute between the two islands, for education purposes.”

The group is also appealing for the X300 route to be reintroduced, which was a direct route between Cirkewwa and Msida which was stopped as soon as the Fast Ferry service was introduced. 

“GUG wishes to remind the responsible authorities, of the challenges faced by Gozitan students and for the reintroduction of X300, just as things were before,” it concluded.

Students are facing issues due to the removal of the bus route, as in cases when the Fast Ferry cannot be utilised due to bad weather, they are left with no option but to use the X1 route, which is often too full leaving students stranded waiting for the next one, after they’ve already commuted from Gozo to Malta.

Lovin Malta has also reached out to the Education Ministry on the matter and is awaiting a reply.

Do you think Gozitan students deserve better?