KonceptX director Dr Konrad Xuereb has spoken out in favour of a metro tunnel connecting Malta to Gozo instead of the proposed underground tunnel between the two islands, citing environmental reasons, efficiency and cost-effectiveness among other pressing issues.

"A 36-minute €2 trip by metro from Victoria Gozo to University of Malta, say, is much faster, cheaper, convenient and healthier than the car tunnel alternative," he wrote in a Facebook post which led to a summary of his study on the matter.

Highlighting the benefits of a metro tunnel, Konrad writes: "A metro tunnel link to Gozo should be an extension of a national mass transit system, thus providing an efficient, seamless, connection between Gozo and strategic nodes in Malta."

"For the economy and quality of life to keep on thriving in decades to come, Malta urgently needs to invest in vital mass transit infrastructural projects to accommodate mass public transport systems. A Malta metro that extends to Gozo ticks all the right boxes. A car tunnel to Gozo does not fit the bill," he insists, referring to this dilemma as Malta's most urgent decision for its future.

While Konrad's proposed alternative still features an underwater tunnel between the two islands, his vision seeks to preserve Gozo's status as an eco-destination. "The metro would be located at roughly the same depth, with no need of ramps, thus for example not damaging the fertile Pwales valley in Malta and the pristine countryside between Mġarr and Nadur in Gozo. The metro would also result in a reduction of cars, with ensuing less pollution and an ameliorated environment," the study mentions.

Plans for a tunnel link are steaming ahead, with the first phase of the tendering process closed last Thursday. 

To access a summary of the study, please click here.