Imagine this: a Londoner’s journey from Heathrow to Victoria Station takes less time than a Gozitan’s commute from Mġarr Harbour to Ċirkewwa. This isn’t a hypothetical scenario, but a reality many Gozitans face daily due to the notorious fast ferry queues. So, what’s causing these snaking lines and when will they ease?

Commuters have long bemoaned the queues at Mġarr Harbour, but recent months have seen them stretch further than ever. The pandemic’s impact on ferry schedules, coupled with increased demand as restrictions ease, has exacerbated the issue. “I’ve been commuting for years, but these queues are the worst I’ve seen,” laments Joe, a regular ferry user.

Standing in line for over an hour is now commonplace, with some commuters reporting waits of up to two hours. The queues snake along Triq il-Kbira, past the old customs house, and often spill onto the road leading to the Gozo General Hospital, causing traffic congestion.

The primary culprit is the reduced ferry schedule, a consequence of COVID-19 safety measures. With fewer ferries running and capacity limited due to social distancing, demand far outstrips supply. The Gozo Channel Company (GCC), the operator responsible, acknowledges the issue but maintains that safety is their top priority.

Another factor is the influx of tourists, both local and foreign, who are flocking to Gozo’s beaches and attractions. While tourism boosts the island’s economy, it also adds to the pressure on ferry services.

GCC has announced plans to increase ferry frequency, starting with the introduction of a new, larger ferry in June. This vessel, the ‘MV Roza M’, can carry 1,500 passengers and 120 cars, significantly boosting capacity. However, commuters remain skeptical, given the company’s past promises of increased frequency that never materialized.

Meanwhile, some Gozitans are calling for a second ferry terminal on the island to ease pressure on Mġarr. Others suggest encouraging more people to work from home or stagger work hours to reduce peak demand. But these are long-term solutions, and for now, commuters are left to endure the queues.

“I’ve had to leave home at 6 am to make it to work on time,” says Maria, another regular ferry user. “It’s ridiculous. I just want a reliable service that gets me to work and back home without taking half my day.”