The Regional Secretary for Tourism and Transport stated today that the Government of the Azores "will be always available to clarify its options."

Speaking to journalists after being heard by the Committee on Economic Affairs of the Azorean Parliament about the inter-island transport of passengers and vehicles, Vítor Fraga said that "this is how we have done and will continue to do in the future. For that reason, we are here to clarify the option" taken by the Region regarding the purchase of two vessels with capacity for 650 passengers and 150 vehicles.

"The main priority of the Regional Government is to assure the maritime transport of passengers and vehicles in the Region,” the government said revealed, adding that this sector "is a vital tool to increase the mobility of the Azorean population and develop the local economy of each of our islands."

In addition, Vítor Fraga emphasised that "this is our main goal and these are options taken by the Government to improve mobility in the Azores and promote the development of all islands alike, thus extending "what is a reality in some parts of the archipelago - the "triangle islands" - to the entire archipelago of the Azores."

The Regional Secretary recalled that "the results achieved on the "triangle" islands (Pico, Faial and São Jorge) with the acquisition of two vessels for the maritime transport of passengers and vehicles are very relevant." As he revealed, a total of 5017 vehicles were transported from January to February, through a service that was previously non-existent.