A Study about the Tunnel between Malta and Gozo

A Study about the Tunnel between Malta

and Gozo

A report prepared by

Dr. Vincent Marmarà Ph.D.(Stir.), FRSS

for Transport Malta

September 2018

Contents1) Scope

2) Methodology & Demographics

3) Results

3.1) Results – Frequency of travelling between the two islands

3.2) Results – Main reasons for not travelling between the two islands

3.3) Results – Percentage of Maltese and Gozitans drivers

3.4) Results – Means of transport to travel between the two islands

3.5) Results – For and against the tunnel

3.6) Results – Frequency of using the tunnel

3.7) Results – Travelling expenses

3.8) Results – Use of public transport

4) Comparisons

5) The Maltese

6) The Gozitans

6) Main Conclusions

7) Appendix2

Section 1

Scope3

ScopeThe scope of work covered the planning and performing twoscientific research surveys amongst the whole Maltese population(1st Survey) and Gozitan population (2nd Survey) to determine thetravelling patterns and travelling requirements between Malta andGozo. Particularly, this project shall focus on the means of transportused to travel between Malta and Gozo, and vice versa.Furthermore, we also analysed the perception of the citizens withregards to the tunnel between Malta and Gozo. Several factorswere analysed, including: willingness to use such a tunnel,frequency of use and price of tickets. In particular, we alsocompared the findings between Maltese and Gozitans. Bothsurveys included questions aimed to compare the above resultswith several demographical variables.

4

Section 2Methodology

5

• The survey was carried out through telephone interviews;

• A sample size of 423 individuals was collected amongst the Maltese

population and another sample of 401 individuals was collected

amongst the Gozitan population;

• Level of confidence: 95% (per survey);

• Confidence interval: +/- 4.9% (per survey);

• Sample was stratified based on Age, Gender and Districts (Appendix);

• The data was collected between the 2nd July and 31st August.

Methodology and Demographics

6

Methodology and Demographics11%

18%

17%

18%

18%

18%

10%

17%

14% 17% 2

0% 2

2%

16 -25 26-35 36-45 46-55 56-65 66+

AGE DISTRIBUTION

Population Sample

50%

50%

48%

52%

FEMALE MALE

GENDER DISTRIBUTION

Population Sample

20%

32%

17%

15%

16%20%

30%

19%

16%

16%

SOUTHERN HARBOUR

NORTHERN HARBOUR

SOUTHERN EASTERN

WESTERN NORTHERN

DISTRICT DISTRIBUTION

Population Sample

7


77.3%

18.2%

4.5%

Marital status: Married? (Gozitans)

Yes

No

Widow(er)/Separated

81.5%

15.9%

2.6%

Marital status: Married? (Maltese)

Yes

No

Widow(er)/Separated

8


17.5%

16.8%

20.1%

45.5%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

1st Degree

Diploma/A'levels

Primary

Secondary

Highese level of education attained (Maltese)

13.0%

15.2%

26.9%

44.9%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

1st Degree

Diploma/A'levels/Trade school

Primary

Secondary

Highese level of education attained (Gozitans)

2.6%

13.7%

28.4%

55.2%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

Student

Housewife

Pensioner

Employee

Activity Status (Maltese)

4.5%

17.6%

24.2%

53.7%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

Student

Housewife

Pensioner

Employee

Activity Status (Gozitans)

9

Section 33.1 Results – Frequency of travel

between the two islands10

3.1 Results – Frequency of travel between the two

islands

• 28.9% of the Maltese citizens said that they never visit Gozo. On the

other hand, only 17.5% of the Gozitans said that they never visit

Malta.

• 11.5% of the Gozitans said that they travel to Malta 5 times a week.

Only 0.9% of the Maltese travel to Gozo 5 times per week.

• 18.2% of the Maltese travel to Gozo once a year.

• It is very evident that Gozitans cross the islands more often than the

Maltese citizens.

11

3.1 Results – Frequency of travel between the two

islands

12

18.2%

13.0%

2.4%

7.8%

9.2%

5.2%

6.6%

3.1%

2.1%

1.7%

0.9%

0.7%

28.9%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35%

Once a year

Once every 6 months

Once every 5 months

Once every 4 months

Once every 3 months

Once every 2 months

Once a month

Once every 2 weeks

Once a week

Between 2 to 4 times per week

5 times per week

Every day

Never

How many times do you travel from Malta to Gozo per year? (Maltese)

6.8%

9.3%

0.5%

3.8%

4.3%

4.0%

11.3%

9.8%

8.3%

9.8%

11.5%

3.5%

17.5%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20%

Once a year

Once every 6 months

Once every 5 months

Once every 4 months

Once every 3 months

Once every 2 months

Once a month

Once every 2 weeks

Once a week

Between 2 to 4 times per week

5 times per week

Every day

Never

How many times do you travel from Gozo to Malta per year? (Gozitans)

Section 33.2 Results – Main reasons for not

travelling between the two islands13

3.2 Results – Main reasons for not travelling between the

two islands

14

12.3%

13.1%

69.7%

4.9%

Main reason for not travelling to Gozo

I am a pensioner I do not like to go to Gozo

Not interested to go to Gozo Other reason

51.4%

45.7%

2.9%

Main reason for not travelling to Malta

I am a pensionerNot interested to go to MaltaOther reason

• 69.7% of the Maltese (those who never visit Gozo) claimed that they are not

interested in visiting Gozo.

• 51.4% of the Gozitans (those who never visit Malta) claimed that they do not

travel to Malta because they are pensioners, followed by those who claimed that

they are not interested in visiting Malta.

Section 33.3 Results – Percentage of Maltese

and Gozitan drivers15

3.3 Results – Percentage of Maltese and Gozitan drivers

16

• More than three quarters of the Maltese respondents drive a car (75.7%)

• Almost three quarters of the Gozitan respondents drive a car (73.3%)

75.7%

24.3%

Do you drive? (Maltese)

Yes

No

73.3%

26.7%

Do you drive? (Gozitans)

Yes

No

Section 33.4 Results – Means of transport to

travel between the two islands17

From Section 3.4 onwards, results are

based on those who said that they travel

at least once between the two islands.18

3.4 Results – Means of transport between the two islands

19

• The most common means of transport is one’s personal car for both the

Maltese and the Gozitans (79.3% and 71.2% respectively)

79.3%

37.3%

13.0%

7.3%

2.3%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Personalcar

As apassanger

Publictransport

Organisedtransport

Motorcycle

Means of transport to travel from Malta to Gozo (Maltese)

71.2%

40.9%

29.4%

12.1%

1.8% 1.5%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Personalcar

As apassanger

Publictransport

Organisedtransport

Motorcycle Othermeans oftransport

Means of transport to travel from Gozo to Malta (Gozitans)

3.4 Results – Means of transport between the two islands

20

• For those who use more than one means of transport for travelling, one’s

personal car is the most common means of transport for both the Maltese

and the Gozitans (61.9% and 50.3% respectively)

61.9%

21.6%

11.3%

4.1%1.0%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Personalcar

As apassenger

Publictransport

Organisedtrasnport

Motorcycle

If in question 4 you selected more than 1 option, which is the most common means of transport you use to travel

from Malta to Gozo? (Maltese)

50.3%

19.0% 17.7%

10.9%

2.0%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

Personalcar

As apassenger

Publictransport

Organisedtransport

Motorcycle

If in question 4 you selected more than 1 option, which is the most common means of transport you use to travel

from Gozo to Malta? (Gozitans)

Section 33.5 Results – For and against the

tunnel21

3.5 Results – For and against the tunnel

22

• The majority of both the Maltese and Gozitans are in favour of a tunnel

between Malta and Gozo (85.0% (Maltese) and 82.7% (Gozitans)

respectively).

85.0%

14.0%

1.0%

Are you in favour of having a tunnel between Malta and Gozo? (Maltese)

Yes

No

Don'tknow

82.7%

16.7%

0.6%

Are you in favour of having a tunnel between Malta and Gozo? (Gozitans)

Yes

No

Don'tknow


Comparison by demographics

23

78.5%

93.0%

83.3%

91.2%

82.7%

21.5%

7.0%

16.7%

8.8%11.5%

5.8%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Northern Harbour Southern Harbour Western South Eastern Northern

Are you in favour of having a tunnel between Malta and Gozo? (Maltese by district)

Yes

No

Don' t know



24

88.9%

81.5% 80.0%

92.3%

71.4%

81.3%

76.9%80.0% 80.5%

66.7%

81.3%

92.6%89.2%

73.3%

11.1%

18.5%

6.7% 7.7%

28.6%

18.8%

23.1%20.0% 19.5%

33.3%

18.8%

7.4%10.8%

26.7%

13.3%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Are you in favour of having a tunnel between Malta and Gozo? (Gozitans by locality)

Yes

No

Don't know



25

100.0%

92.2%96.3%

89.8%

73.8%

60.5%

7.8%

1.9%

8.5%

24.6%

39.5%

1.9%

1.7% 1.6%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

18-25 26-35 36-45 46-55 56-65 66+

Are you in favour of having a tunnel between Malta and Gozo? (Maltese by age)

Yes

No

Don' t know

96.9%

87.1% 88.4% 89.7%

80.3%

51.2%

3.1%

11.4% 11.6% 10.3%

18.4%

48.8%

1.4% 1.3%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

18-25 26-35 36-45 46-55 56-65 66+

Are you in favour of having a tunnel between Malta and Gozo? (Gozitans by age)

Yes

No

Don't know

• The younger generation are more in favour of having a tunnel between Malta

and Gozo, for both populations (Maltese and Gozitans).



26

78.7%

91.2%

20.0%

8.1%

1.3% 0.7%0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Female Male

Are you in favour of having a tunnel between Malta and Gozo? (Maltese by gender)

Yes

No

Don't know

80.3%

85.5%

19.7%

13.2%

1.3%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

Female Male

Are you in favour of having a tunnel between Malta and Gozo? (Gozitans by gender)

Yes

No

Don't know

• Males are more in favour than Females of having a tunnel between Malta and

Gozo, for both populations (Maltese and Gozitans).



27

82.6%

96.2%

16.2%

3.8%1.2%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Married Not married

Are you in favour of having a tunnel between Malta and Gozo? (Maltese by marital status)

Yes

No

Don't know

84.3%

77.6%

15.4%

21.1%

0.4% 1.3%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

Married Not married

Are you in favour of having a tunnel between Malta and Gozo? (Gozitans by marital status)

Yes

No

Don't know

• Unmarried Maltese citizens are more in favour than married Maltese citizens of

having a tunnel between Malta and Gozo. This contrasts the results for

Gozitans. However, both married and unmarried persons are strongly in favour

of having the tunnel.



28

77.1%

82.1%

92.9%89.7%

20.0%17.2%

7.1% 8.6%

2.9%0.7% 1.7%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Are you in favour of having a tunnel between Malta and Gozo? (Maltese by highest level of education)

Yes

No

Don’t' know

64.2%

82.7%

93.1%90.2%

34.0%

17.3%

5.2%9.8%

1.9% 1.7%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Are you in favour of having a tunnel between Malta and Gozo? (Gozitans by highest level of education)

Yes

No

Don't know

• The higher the level of education, the more individuals are in favour of having

a tunnel between Malta and Gozo, for both populations (Maltese and

Gozitans).



29

92.3%100.0%

78.3%

67.2%

7.1%

19.6%

31.3%

0.5% 2.2% 1.6%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Employee Student Housewife Pensioner

Are you in favour of having a tunnel between Malta and Gozo? (Maltese by activty status)

Yes

No

Don't know

88.9%

100.0%

73.8%

63.0%

10.1%

26.2%

37.0%

1.0%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%


Are you in favour of having a tunnel between Malta and Gozo? (Gozitans by activity status)

Yes

No

Don't know

• Pensioners are the least in favour of having a tunnel between Malta and Gozo,

for both populations (Maltese and Gozitans). However, the absolute majority of

pensioners are still in favour of having the tunnel.


30

• 48.8% of the Maltese and 41.0% of the Gozitans who are in favour of the tunnel

said that the main reason for being in favour of the tunnel is that the travelling

time will be reduced drastically.

0.8%

1.2%

1.6%

3.5%

3.9%

7.1%

10.6%

22.8%

48.4%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

More choice

It is good for those that work inMalta

Other

To travel more often

More business

To avoid bad weather

It is good for those that travel ona daily basis

More comodity

No time waiting

Main reason in favour of the tunnel (Maltese)

0.4%

1.8%

2.2%

3.0%

8.5%

14.4%

28.8%

41.0%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45%

Other

More business

I work in Malta

More efficient to travel between thetwo islands

It is good for those that work in Malta


More comodity

No time waiting

Main reason in favour of the tunnel (Gozitans)


31

• 73.2% of the Maltese who are against the tunnel said that they refer to the

ferry to travel from Malta to Gozo.

• 65.5% of the Gozitans who are against the tunnel think that Gozo will lose its

identity if the tunnel is constructed.

4.9%

4.9%

7.3%

9.8%

73.2%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

I am afraid to pass from atunnel

I do not like it

I prefer a bridge

Other

I prefer the ferry

Main reason against the tunnel (Maltese)

3.6%

5.5%

12.7%

12.7%

65.5%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

Other

I prefer a bridge

I am afraid to pass from atunnel

I prefer the ferry

Gozo will lose its identity

Main reason against the tunnel (Gozitans)


32

• 77.5% of the Maltese would consider using the tunnel, while 88.1% of the

Gozitans are willing to use it.

77.5%

13.4%9.1%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Yes No Don't know

Would you consider to use the tunnel to travel from Malta to Gozo? (Maltese)

88.1%

8.2%3.7%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

Yes Don't know No

Would you consider to use the tunnel to travel from Gozo to Malta? (Gozitans)

3.5 Results – For and against the tunnelComparison by demographics

33

72.8%

89.3%

76.2%78.6%

73.1%

18.5%

7.1%

16.7%

8.9%

13.5%

8.7%

3.6%7.1%

12.5%13.5%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%


Would you consider to use the tunnel to travel from Malta to Gozo? (Maltese by district)

Yes No Don't know


34

88.9% 88.9%86.7% 88.0%

85.7%81.3%

86.8%

100.0%

89.7%

100.0%

76.5%

96.3%91.7%

73.3%

8.0%

6.3%2.6% 4.6% 5.9%

5.6%

6.7%11.1% 11.1%

13.3%

4.0%

14.3% 12.5% 10.5%5.7% 17.6%

3.7%

2.8%

20.0%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

Would you consider to use the tunnel to travel from Gozo to Malta? (Gozitans by locality)

Yes

No

Don't know


35

100.0%

92.0% 92.6%

84.7%

59.0%

39.0%

4.0%

6.8%

19.7%

53.7%

4.0%

7.4%

8.5%

21.3%

7.3%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

18-25 26-35 36-45 46-55 56-65 66+

Would you consider to use the tunnel to travel from Malta to Gozo? (Maltese by age)

Yes

No

Don't know

96.9%94.2% 93.0%

97.0%

84.4%

57.5%

1.4% 2.3%

6.5%

12.5%

3.1%

4.3% 4.7%

3.0%

9.1%

30.0%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

18-25 26-35 36-45 46-55 56-65 66+

Would you consider to use the tunnel to travel from Gozo to Malta? (Gozitans by age)

Yes

No

Don't know

• The younger generation are more willing to use the tunnel to travel between

Malta and Gozo. In fact, 53.7% of the Maltese aged 66 years and over are not

willing to use the tunnel.


36

67.1%

87.7%

20.8%

6.2%12.1%

6.2%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Female Male

Would you consider to use the tunnel to travel from Malta to Gozo? (Maltese by

gender)

Yes

No

Don't know

84.7%

92.1%

5.1%2.0%

10.2%5.9%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Female Male

Would you consider to use the tunnel to travel from Gozo to Malta? (Gozitans by

gender)

Yes

No

Don't know

• Males are more willing to use the tunnel when compared to females.


37

74.3%

92.3%

15.5%

3.8%

10.2%

3.8%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Married Not married


marital status)

Yes

No

Don't know

88.1% 88.2%

4.0% 2.6%7.9% 9.2%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Marreid Not married


marital status)

Yes

No

Don't know

• Maltese unmarried individuals are more willing to use the tunnel when

compared with Maltese married individuals.


38

51.5%

74.2%

89.1% 89.7%

27.3%

16.6%

7.3%3.4%

21.2%

9.3%

3.6%6.9%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Would you consider to use the tunnel to travel from Malta to Gozo? (Maltese by highest level of

education)

Yes

No

Don't know

63.5%

91.6% 93.1%96.1%

13.5%

2.4% 2.0%

23.1%

6.0% 6.9%

2.0%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Would you consider to use the tunnel to travel from Gozo to Malta? (Gozitans by highest level of

education)

Yes

No

Don't know

• The higher the level of education, the more the willingness to use the tunnel.


39

90.1%

100.0%

58.7%

51.6%

3.9%

30.4% 30.6%

6.1%10.9%

17.7%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%



activity status)

Yes

No

Don't know

96.0%100.0%

75.0%

68.9%

0.5%

9.4% 8.9%3.5%

15.6%

22.2%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%



activity status)

Yes

No

Don't know

• Employees and students are more willing to use the tunnel between Malta and Gozo.

Section 33.6 Results – Frequency of using the

tunnel40

3.6 Results – Frequency of using the tunnel

41

• The majority of both the Maltese (73.9%) and Gozitans (80.9%) said that

they will travel between the two islands more frequently.

73.9%

15.7%

10.4%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Yes No Don't know

Would you travel more frequently between the two island if the tunnel is

constructed? (Maltese)

80.9%

13.3%

5.8%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

Yes Don't know No

Would you travel more frequently between the two island if the tunnel is

constructed? (Gozitans)


42

• 81.6% of the Maltese who said that they will travel more to Gozo said that they

will do so because they like Gozo (41.5%) and it serves as a holiday (40.1%).

• On the other hand, the Gozitans will travel more frequently to Malta since they

work or study in Malta (51.5%).

1.4%

3.4%

3.4%

4.3%

5.8%

40.1%

41.5%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%


Relatives live in Gozo

Other

To change the environment

No time waiting

It serves me as a holiday

I like travelling to Gozo

Reasons to use the tunnel more frequently (Maltese)

1.1%

1.9%

3.4%

7.9%

15.8%

18.4%

51.5%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

I live in Malta aswell/commitments in Malta

To change the environment

Easier to travel to Malta

It serves me as aholiday/outing

To go to hospital and forshopping

I like travelling to Malta

Work/studying in Malta

Reasons to use the tunnel more frequently (Gozitans)


43

• 45.7% of the Maltese who said that they will not travel more frequently to

Gozo said that they prefer to use the ferry. This is followed by 32.6% who said

that they are afraid of the tunnel.

• There was a small percentage of Gozitans who said that they will not use the

tunnel more frequently (5.8%). The main reason for this was that “they prefer

the ferry”.

10.9%

10.9%

32.6%

45.7%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50%

I do not like travelling to Gozo

Other

I am afraid to pass from a tunnel

I prefer the ferry

Reasons for not using the tunnel more frequently (Maltese)

Section 33.7 Results – Travelling expenses

44

3.7 Results – Travelling expenses

45

• 63.8% of the Maltese are willing to pay extra money if they had to use the

tunnel.

• The majority of the Gozitans (80.7%) are willing to pay more to travel

through the tunnel.

63.8%

34.6%

1.7%

Are you willing to pay extra money to travel between the two islands?

(Maltese)

Yes

No

Don't know

80.7%

16.5%

2.8%

Are you willing to pay extra money to travel between the two islands?

(Gozitans)

Yes

No

Don't know

3.7 Results – Travelling expensesComparisons by demographics

46

58.7%

73.7%

65.9%63.2%

60.8%

39.1%

24.6%

34.1% 33.3%

39.2%

2.2% 1.8%3.5%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%


Are you willing to pay extra money to travel between the two islands? (Maltese by district)


47

100.0%

84.6%

93.3%

80.8%85.7%

75.0%

86.8%

100.0%

76.5%

100.0%

76.5%

88.9%

70.3%66.7%

11.5%6.7%

19.2%14.3%

25.0%

7.9%

21.2%17.6%

7.4%

29.7%

20.0%

3.8% 5.3%2.4%

5.9%3.7%

13.3%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Are you willing to pay extra money to travel between the two islands? (Gozitans by locality)

Yes

No

Don't know


48

93.8%

71.4%74.1%

63.8%

54.1%

32.6%

6.3%

26.5%24.1%

34.5%

45.9%

62.8%

2.0%

1.9%

1.7%4.7%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

18-25 26-35 36-45 46-55 56-65 66+

Are you willing to pay extra money to travel between the two islands? (Maltese by age)

Yes

No

Don't know

93.8%

85.7%

79.1% 80.6% 78.9%

66.7%

6.3%

14.3%

20.9%16.4% 17.1%

23.1%

3.0% 3.9%

10.3%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

18-25 26-35 36-45 46-55 56-65 66+

Are you willing to pay extra money to travel between the two islands? (Gozitans by age)

Yes

No

Don't know

• The younger generation are more willing to pay something extra to use the

tunnel to travel between Malta and Gozo. In fact, 62.8% of the Maltese aged

66 years and over are not willing to pay something extra use the tunnel.


49

56.8%

70.1%

41.9%

27.9%

1.4% 2.0%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Female Male

Are you willing to pay extra money to travel between the two islands? (Maltese by gender)

Yes

No

Don't know

80.1% 81.5%

17.0% 15.9%

2.8% 2.6%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

Female Male

Are you willing to pay extra money to travel between the two islands? (Gozitans by

gender)

Yes

No

Don't know

• Males are more willing to pay something extra to use the tunnel when

compared to females.


50

58.8%

86.5%

39.2%

13.5%

2.0%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Married Not married

Are you willing to pay extra money to travel between the two islands? (Maltese by marital

status)

Yes

No

Don't know

80.4% 81.8%

16.8% 15.6%

2.8% 2.6%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

Married Not married


martial status)

Yes

No

Don't know

• Maltese unmarried individuals are more willing to pay something extra to use

the tunnel when compared with Maltese married individuals.


51

37.1%

56.7%

83.6%78.9%

62.9%

40.7%

16.4%19.3%

2.7% 1.8%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

Are you willing to pay extra money to travel between the two islands? (Maltese by highest

level of education)

Yes

No

Don't know

71.2%77.8%

87.7%92.2%

23.1%19.8%

10.5%5.9%5.8%

2.4% 1.8% 2.0%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%


highest level of education)

Yes

No

Don't know

• The higher the level of education, the more the willingness to pay something

extra to use the tunnel.


52

72.1%

100.0%

60.9%

37.5%

26.3%

39.1%

59.4%

1.7% 3.1%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%


Are you willing to pay extra money to travel between the two islands? (Maltese by activity

status)

Yes

No

Don't know

85.3%

94.4%

71.9% 71.1%

13.7%

5.6%

21.9% 22.2%

1.0%

6.3% 6.7%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%



activity status)

• Employees and students are more willing to pay something extra to use the tunnel

between Malta and Gozo.


53

• More than 80% of both Maltese and Gozitans who are willing to pay

something more to travel through the tunnel said that waiting time will be

reduced.

82.1%

14.7%

3.2%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

No time waiting More comodity Other

Main reason for willing to pay extra money (Maltese)

86.0%

12.1%

1.9%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

No time waiting More comodity Other

Main reason for willing to pay extra money (Gozitans)


54

• 61.6% of the Maltese and 77.4% of the Gozitans who are not willing to pay

more said that the price of the ferry is already high.

61.6%

29.1%

9.3%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

The price is alreadyhigh

I prefer the ferry Other

Main reason for not willing to pay extra money (Maltese)

77.4%

22.6%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

The price is already high Other

Main reason for not willing to pay extra money (Gozitans)


55

• 44.9% of the Maltese who said that they are not willing to pay extra to

travel to Gozo said that they are ready to pay the same price of the ferry

to use the tunnel.

• Almost all the Gozitans (93.5%) who said that they are not willing to pay

extra said that they are ready to pay the same price of the ferry.

44.9%

41.1%

14.0%

If you are not willing (or not sure) to pay something extra to travelling between the two island, are you willing to pay the existing fee of the ferry? (Maltese)

Yes

No

Don't know

93.5%

4.8%1.6%

If you are not willing (or not sure) to pay something extra to travelling between the two island, are you willing to pay the existing fee

of the ferry? (Gozitans)

Yes

No

Don't know


56

• When combining the two previous results, it can be concluded that 97.6%

of the Gozitans are wiling to pay more money or the same fee as the ferry

to use the tunnel. On the other hand, only 79.3% of the Maltese are willing

to pay more or the same amount as the ferry.

97.6%

79.3%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Gozitans who are willing to pay extra or the same fee (as theferry) to use the tunnel

Maltese who are willing to pay extra or the same fee (as theferry) to use the tunnel

Paying extra or the same fee (as the ferry) to use the tunnel

3.7 Results – Travelling expensesMaltese results by demographics

57

84.3%

75.0%

82.5%

87.5%

71.4%

15.7%

25.0%

17.5%

12.5%

28.6%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Northern NorthernHarbour

SouthEastern

SouthernHarbour

Western

Paying extra or the same fee (as the ferry) to use the tunnel (Maltese by district)

Yes

No/Don't know

93.8%

82.0%

92.6%

82.8%

77.0%

50.0%

6.3%

18.0%

7.4%

17.2%

23.0%

50.0%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

18-25 26-35 36-45 46-55 56-65 66+

Paying extra or the same fee (as the ferry) to use the tunnel (Maltese by age)

Yes

No/Don't know


58

74.3%

85.0%

25.7%

15.0%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

Female Male

Paying extra or the same fee (as the ferry) to use the tunnel (Maltese by gender)

Yes

No/Don't know

77.5%

90.6%

22.5%

9.4%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Married Not married

Paying extra or the same fee (as the ferry) to use the tunnel (Maltese by marital status)

Yes

No/Don't know


59

81.0%

90.9%

70.6%77.3%

19.0%

9.1%

29.4%22.7%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Paying extra or the same fee (as the ferry) to use the tunnel (Maltese by highest level of

education)

Yes

No/ Don't know

87.2%

100.0%

71.7%

61.9%

12.8%

28.3%

38.1%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%


Paying extra or the same fee (as the ferry) to use the tunnel (Maltese by activity status)

Yes

No/Don't know


60

• The average fee that the Maltese are ready to pay (those who are not

willing to pay extra or the existing price of the ferry) is €5.

• The average fee that the Gozitans are ready to pay (those who are not

willing to pay extra or the existing price of the ferry) is €3.

Section 33.8 Results – Use of public transport

61

3.8 Results – Use of public transport

62

• Less than half of the Maltese (45.5%) are willing to use the public transport

to travel through the tunnel.

• On the other hand, 63.9% of the Gozitans are willing to use the public

transport to travel through the tunnel.

4.4%

50.2%

45.5%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

Don't know

No

Yes

Are you intrested in using public transport while travelling through the

tunnel? (Maltese)

3.4%

32.7%

63.9%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

Don't know

No

Yes

Are you intrested in using public transport while travelling through the

tunnel? (Gozitans)

Section 4 Comparisons

63

Comparisons

• The Maltese (28.9%) are more likely not to visit the sister island when

compared to the Gozitans (17.5%) i.e. a difference of 11.5%.

• 69.7% of the Maltese (those who never visit Gozo) are not interested in going

to Gozo i.e. a difference of 24% when compared to the Gozitans (those who

never visit Malta) (45.7%).

• There are more Maltese drivers than Gozitan drivers (2.4% more).

• 8.1% more of the Maltese use their personal car to travel to Gozo (79.3% and

71.2% respectively).

• The majority of both the Maltese and Gozitans are in favour of a tunnel

between Malta and Gozo (85.0% and 82.7%) (2.3% more for the Maltese).

• The reduction of the waiting time is the main reason for both Maltese and

Gozitans who are in favour of the tunnel.

• The Gozitans (88.1%) are more willing to use the tunnel when compared to

the Maltese (77.5%) citizens.

64

Comparisons

• 81.6 % of the Maltese who said that they will travel more to Gozo said that

they will do so because they like Gozo (41.5%) and it serves as a holiday

(40.1%). On the other hand, the Gozitans will travel more frequently to Malta

since they work or study in Malta (51.5%).

• 63.8% of the Maltese are willing to pay something extra to use the tunnel. The

majority of the Gozitans (80.7%) are willing to pay more to travel through the

tunnel (16.9% difference).

• Almost all the Gozitans (97.6%) are willing to pay extra or the same price as

the ferry to use the tunnel. This contrasts with 79.3% of the Maltese who are

willing to pay more or the same price as the ferry (18.3% difference).

• The average fee that the Maltese are willing to pay (those who are not willing

to pay something extra or the existing price of the ferry) is €5. On the other

hand, the average fee that the Gozitans are willing to pay (those who are not

willing to pay something extra or the existing price of the ferry) is €3 i.e. a

difference of 2€.

• The Gozitans are more willing to use the public transport to travel through the

tunnel (a percentage difference of 18.4%).65

Section 5 The Maltese

66

The Maltese

67

73.5%

13.3%

13.3%

Are you intrested in buying a place in Gozo and live there if there is a tunnel between the two islands?

No

Yes

Don't know

• The Maltese who travel to Gozo were asked if they were interested in

buying a property in Gozo and live there once the tunnel is constructed.

Only 13.3% of the respondents said “yes”. The majority, 73.5%, are not

willing to live in Gozo.

Section 6 The Gozitans

68

The Gozitans

69

75.0%

13.4%

6.1% 5.5%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

No Not always thesame

Almost always Yes

Do you live in Malta during the week?

67.5%

20.8%

11.7%

If there is a tunnel between Gozo and Malta do you still consider to live in

Malta during the week?

No

Yes

Don't know

• 75% of the Gozitans who travel to Malta do not live in Malta during the

week. If the tunnel is constructed, 67.5% of the Gozitans who currently

live in Malta during the week said that they will stay in Gozo.

Section 7 Conclusion

70

Main Conclusions

• The strong majority (80%+) of the Maltese and Gozitan are in favour of having

a tunnel between Malta and Gozo. The absolute majority are also willing to

use such a tunnel (78% for the Maltese and 88% for the Gozitans).

• Furthermore, the absolute majority are ready to pay either the same price or

something extra to use the tunnel (78% for the Maltese and 98% for the

Gozitans). They said that the waiting time will be reduced.

• When looking at the results by demographics, the strong majority (80%+) of

the Maltese/Gozitan employees and students are in favour of having a tunnel

between Malta and Gozo.

• On the other hand, pensioners and those who are greater than 65 years are

more reluctant for the tunnel project (however, the majority are still in

favour).

71

Appendix

Questionnaires72

Appendix: Questionnaire

73


74


75


76


77


78

Appendix: Maltese Districts

Maltese Districts

Maltese Districts

The [email protected]

Documents

A Study about the Tunnel between Malta and Gozo