eBussed Stakeholder Meeting in Gozo
The regional online stakeholder meeting for Gozo was held on 12 March 2021. For this meeting, there were present representatives of the Ministry for Gozo (ecoGozo Directorate and Engineering Department), Gozo Channel Co Ltd, Gozo Business Chamber, Transport Malta (Risk Management, Policy and EU Affairs Strategy & Corporate Services Directorate and Land Transport Directorate) and Malta Public Transport.
First, Mr Joseph Piscopo, the eBussed Local Coordinator for Gozo, explained the project background, how the project originated and the main objectives of the project. To give the various stakeholders a better idea, he gave an overview of the project partners, the stage of e-Bus deployment in each partner region and the four project themes and their leaders.
The director of the ecoGozo Directorate, Mr Joseph Cutajar then gave an update about the procurement of the six electric buses which was done through the SMITHS (Sustainable Multi Intermodal Transport Hubs) project. Mr Cutajar also explained that through funds of the SMITHS project, a multi-modal hub will also be built at Ta’ Xhajma in Xewkija. This hub will include a terminal for electric-powered bus and will serve as a Park and Ride from ta’ Xhajma to Mgarr Harbour, thus reducing traffic congestions at the harbour area. The e-bus operation is planned to start this summer and it is to be decided, who will be operating these buses.
The meeting ended with a discussion about Good Practices to identify local practices which can then be used by other regions in their action plans.
