Further integration of ferries into the public transport network

Summary

The main goal of this measure was to address the lack of connectivity between the ferry landing sites in Valletta and the city centre and the main bus terminal.

The objectives of this measure were to encourage sustainable transport behaviour, improving accessibility and attractiveness of public transport by improving intermodality and increasing public transport links to reduce congestion.

Implementing sustainable mobility

Brief overview

In this measure, TM planned to pilot a new public transport route to connect the ferry landing sites situated on both sides of the Valletta peninsula to the main bus terminal outside the city gate and the Park and Ride facility outside Valletta using an LPG fuelled minibus.

However, during the course of the project and following extensive promotion of sustainable mobility through DESTINATIONS, the route was independently introduced by Malta Public Transport (MPT) in the form of bus route 133. Transport Malta (TM) took responsibility for the monitoring of the newly implemented bus connection, as well as the commissioning of a study to analyse the different connection possibilities (CBA).

TM subcontracted a team of experts to collect information from Maltese residents as well as from tourists about their use of the ferries and/or the connecting bus service. This was done in two waves, to see if the awareness of and satisfaction with the connecting bus services increased over time.

Results achieved

Two different sets of surveys were carried out in two waves. Telephone surveys were held with a sample representative of the general population living in the localities part of the Valletta Region to collect information about their awareness and use of the ferry and bus services and satisfaction with the connecting transport services.

Face-to-face surveys were carried out with locals and tourists who were using the Marsamxett ferry to travel between Sliema and Valletta, to understand their awareness, use and satisfaction with connecting transport services. Such monitoring shows a steady increase from year to year of the new bus service usage. The results of two different sets of surveys confirm that there is a higher awareness about the bus route as well as more use.

Although sample sizes of respondents that used the bus service were too small to make inferences about the results, satisfaction with the service is high. Some reasons why other respondents did not make use of the service were preference for walking or visiting a destination close to the ferry landing site. The surveys also unearthed more general barriers, such as the bus routes or schedules not fitting with people’s plans, buses being too full, or the bus taking too long due to heavy traffic.

The options analysis and CBA for potential connections between the ferry landing site, the city centre and the bus terminal concluded that considering the existing and proposed connections (the bus connection, shared bicycles, staircase and lifts), there is no obvious need for creating further connections to meet current and forecasted demand. However, Transport Malta expressed its wish to upgrade the existing staircase, for which a financial feasibility study was prepared and for which funding is being sought (outside the scope of the DESTINATIONS project).

Lessons learnt

Sea and water-based transport can be faster than land-based alternatives (which suffer from traffic congestion and busy roads) and can be a more enjoyable experience for residents and tourists alike. Ensuring that the ferry service is connected to nearby destinations is important to ensure that the service is seamless, useful and efficient for users.

However, while providing better connected and efficient public transport is crucial, it is also important to promote modal shift, as the level of private car use remains very high in Malta. There is also a need for measures that restrict private car use, such as parking restrictions or congestion charging.

Progress

Since the inception of the project, usage of the ferry has increased dramatically. Following one-to-one meetings with Malta Public Transport to discuss the pilot project's design, the public transport operator showed interest in and took up the circular service as part of its operations. The service is now fully operational and integrated into the overall bus network. 

Transport Malta has been acting as a monitor of this service and performs data collection; this is invaluable in improving the already existing service.

Outcomes

Total trips

• 2017 - 10,173  
• 2018 - 10,221 
• 2019 - 10,253

Total passengers

• 2017 - 58,546
• 2018 - 83,115
• 2019 - 102,246

Average occupancy 

• 2017 - 5.75 passengers per trip
• 2018 - 8.13 passengers per trip
• 2019 - 9.97 passengers per trip