Travelling between Malta and Gozo is about to get cheaper, with Prime Minister Robert Abela announcing that Gozo Channel ferry trips will be free for eligible foot passengers from 1st January 2027.The announcement was made on today evening as Abela delivered his response to Budget 2027 in Parliament.The measure will apply to Maltese and Gozitan citizens, EU nationals and long-term non-EU residents travelling without a vehicle.Currently, a return pedestrian ticket on the Gozo Channel costs €4.65, meaning regular commuters could make significant savings.The initiative was originally promised during Labour’s 2026 general election campaign but was not mentioned during Finance Minister Clyde Caruana’s Budget speech last week.However, while eligible residents will enjoy free ferry crossings, tourists will face higher prices from next year.Under the new Budget measures, adult tourists will pay €11 for a foot passenger ticket, while children will pay €7. Tourists travelling with a vehicle will be charged €22.Abela described the initiative as the beginning of a new chapter in transport between Malta and Gozo.The announcement comes as ferry traffic continues to increase, with passenger numbers rising by almost 20% between July and September compared to the same period last year.Will free Gozo Channel trips encourage you to visit Gozo more often?•