Amsterdam Unveils Plans for Expanded Ferry Services to Alleviate IJ River Congestion

The city of Amsterdam is set to expand its ferry services across the IJ River in response to rising congestion. Traffic alderwoman Melanie van der Horst from the D66 party revealed that the increase in passenger numbers is due to the growing population in North Amsterdam. The city plans to introduce larger vessels, enhance the frequency of crossings, and extend operating hours, notably on the Distelweg-Pontsteiger route which will be operational on weekends starting January 1.

However, the implementation of these plans faces a hurdle: a shortage of ferry captains. The public transport operator GVB is actively recruiting to fill a need for approximately 40 new captains over the upcoming years.

Discussions about long-term solutions to the congestion problem have been ongoing, with potential options such as a tunnel for pedestrians and cyclists, additional metro stations, and permanent bridges being considered. The city has opted to construct two fixed bridges for pedestrians and cyclists: the East Bridge and the West Bridge. The East Bridge will be the first project, linking the Hamerkwartier area on the northern side of the IJ with Azartplein to the south. Although initial planning and funding delays have posed challenges, funding is now secured, bolstered by contributions from both the city and the Amsterdam Transport Region. The East Bridge is scheduled for completion by 2034.

Until these infrastructural changes are realized, Amsterdam will continue to rely heavily on ferry services to manage increasing passenger traffic as the demand for crossings rises.

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