time to explore with esplora
free circular bus service to and from Wied iż-Żurrieq
Minister for tourism and consumer protection Julia Farrugia Portelli launchiing pilot project
Minister for Tourism and Consumer Protection Julia Farrugia Portelli officially launched a pilot project: a circular bus to and from Wied iż-Żurrieq, utilising two buses provided by the Malta Tourism Authority.
This service will commence from the 4th of July and is being financed by the Malta Tourism Authority, in a €162,000 investment. What’s more, the service is free of charge.
This service is geared towards addressing the parking problems in Wied iż-Żurrieq, which in the past have discouraged people from visiting this picturesque gem in the south of Malta.
This problem was reflected in a survey commissioned by the Ministry for Tourism, which showed that almost 60% of those interviewed had experienced parking problems when visiting the area. 36% stated that they turned back when they did not find a suitable parking place. Almost 50% said they are open to using alternative transport instead of their own means.
Minister for tourism and consumer protection Julia Farrugia Portelli launchiing pilot project
Minister Farrugia Portelli stated that many had longed for a solution. This was done by creating a circular transport, which serves the two closest localities to Wied iż-Żurrieq. This also serves those who choose to park their vehicles near the former RAF Qrendi Airfield on the road to Siġġiewi.
“Wied iż-Żurrieq is a unique and popular place and touristic attraction that evolved from a small fishermen’s village. In 2018 alone, 475,000 tourists visited the area. Apart from its unique attraction of the Blue Grotto, which attracts thousands of visitors every year, others visit for other activities such as swimming, fishing and also those who dine in one of the many fish restaurants in the area. However, a big challenge was parking and thus one hopes that this bus service addresses the issue whilst promoting alternative modes of transport,” commented Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli.
Minister for tourism and consumer protection Julia Farrugia Portelli launchiing pilot project
The free service, provided by the Malta Tourism Authority, utilising vehicles provided by Malta Public Transport will operate as follows:
Two buses marked ‘Destinazzjoni Wied iż-Żurrieq’ will pick up passengers from the main squares of Qrendi and Żurrieq.
Another bus will pick up passengers from San Niklaw/Il-Qasam in Siġġiewi, where parking spaces have been created. The service will operate simultaneously with two buses, to facilitate the practicality and frequency of the service.
The service will operate between Thursday and Sunday from 10:00am to 12:00pm, at 20 minutes intervals.
The service will cater not only for those who visit Wied iż-Żurrieq by vehicle but also those who walk. In addition, this service opens up the possibility of transport between the two localities.
This project has been lauded by the mayor of Qrendi David Schembri and the mayor of Żurrieq Rita Grima, as well as the rest of the local councillors present for the launch of this pilot project.
