Drechtsteden temporary ferries reach 500,000 passengers

Temporary free ferries operating over the Beneden-Merwede have transported 500,000 passengers since July 17. These ferry services serve as alternatives following the closure of the Papendrechtsebrug (N3) and the Baanhoekbrug bicycle path.

Local transport alternatives have seen significant growth. The Waterbus has reported a 50 percent increase in passengers, while the temporary ferries carry approximately 20 percent more cyclists and pedestrians than the previous bridge routes. Additionally, usage of the MerwedeLingelijn and shared bicycles has increased, with shared bike usage rising by 30 percent.

Rijkswaterstaat and regional partners had initially anticipated peak-hour delays of 30 to 60 minutes on the A15 and A16 motorways. However, due to the shift toward public transport and cycling, extra travel times have generally remained below these expectations, despite increased congestion on the motorways since late September.