Traveling by sea across Malta could soon be free of charge, Transport Minister Aaron Farrugia has announced.

In an interview with MaltaToday, Farrugia confirmed the the government is exploring the possibility of extending the concept of free bus transport to the ferry system which currently connects Valletta to Sliema and Cottonera.

“It will be an experiment and will utilise the same model, which means transport will be free for Tallinja card holders, to incentivise more people to travel by sea,” he said. “It’s a very strong incentive. Will it cost money? Undoubtedly so. But is it a wise investment? I believe it is.”

Sea public transport is still a relatively new concept in Malta but there are plans to extend the current network to include Buġibba, Ta’ Xbiex and Spinola.