Gozo Fast Ferry Ltd has just launched its website and free smartphone app where from today, customers can buy return tickets at the reduced rates of €9.99 for adults and €5.99 for children to travel between Valletta and Mġarr, Gozo.

By booking online or downloading the app through Google Play Store and Apple App Store, those who do not have a Tallinja card will benefit from the reduced fares.

The fast ferry service between the two islands will start operating tomorrow from 4pm and the company is encouraging users to download the free app for a smoother journey.

A company spokesperson said: “This is an exciting time for Malta. As an island, sea transport is under-utilised and we hope this new service will entice people to leave their cars behind and start considering new, multi-modal transport options.”

With the Gozo Fast Ferry app, customers can buy tickets for themselves or a group; book a specific trip with an open return or a specific return date and time; or buy an open return journey, which can be used within 30 days.

The company also announced that those over 60 and children will pay a concession rate of €3.99, Gozo residents pay €4.50, while anyone with a Tallinja adult or student card can make the return trip for €7.99. Bicycles can be transported for free, while children under the age of four also travel free, but a seat still has to be booked for safety reasons.

For comparison, those booking with Virtu Ferries Gozo, the second operator to offer a Malta-Gozo fast ferry service between Valletta and Mgarr, will pay €12 for an adult standard return ticket, €11 for adult Tallinja Card holders, €5 for adult Gozo residents and €4.60 for adult Gozo residents who also have a Tallinja Card.

As of now, people can download the app or use the website to book their trips on Gozo Fast Ferry Ltd. Registering is simple and quick while holders of Tallinja cards can just sign in with their customer number and the last four digits of the bar code as their password.

As part of its efforts to provide users with a seamless journey, the company has also teamed up with Malta Public Transport to include shuttle bus services to key locations such as the University of Malta and Mater Dei Hospital. A similar service will start operating to MCAST College in Paola in September.

Once passengers disembark at Ta’ Liesse in Valletta, Gozo Fast Ferry ticket holders will be entitled to a free return trip on the Barrakka Lift to get to the capital city’s centre. This will have to be used within one hour from the time of travel on the ferry.

In preparing its ferry rates and schedule, Gozo Fast Ferry has put a strong emphasis on affordability and easy interconnection following extensive consultation meetings with stakeholders in Malta and Gozo.

Backed by Bianchi Group and Merill Investments, Gozo Fast Ferry has invested in two modern vessels capable of carrying 300 passengers per trip, which provide wheelchair access, offers free WiFi throughout the journey.