Organization

There are several reasons to be proud of the Waterbus as a unique transportation option in the Rotterdam-Drechtsteden region. First and foremost, we think of all the passengers who, since the launch of the high-speed ferry services in 1999, have been using this unique public water transportation network in South Holland.

It’s truly wonderful that so many people are traveling by water to their destinations. Not only do they help alleviate the problems caused by car traffic, but they also contribute to the economic development of the cities, towns, business parks, nature areas, and attractions in the region—not to mention helping to meet environmental goals.

The Waterbus had already existed for several years as a merger of Fast Ferry and Waterbus when, in 2006, our transportation organization first became acquainted with the ambitions of the province of South Holland and the Drechtsteden, as well as those of the municipality of Rotterdam and the Port Authority.

And our thoughts turn to the book *De Rotterdam, the Art of Travel* by Sandra van Berkum, which was also published in 2006. The book, which is about the steamship Rotterdam, emphasizes above all that passengers were meant to feel at home on board, “away from home.” This is precisely the vision that we, as a transportation provider, have made central to all our ferry services: to do everything we can to bring travelers to their destination safely, efficiently, and enjoyably on every voyage—where necessary, in combination with other forms of transportation.

Starting January 1, 2022, we at Aqualiner will be operating the Waterbus service, and we’ll be doing so with a virtually new fleet, which we’ll introduce step by step to replace the current generation of Waterbuses. Together with Damen Shipyards in Gorinchem, we have developed an ultra-modern hybrid high-speed Waterbus ferry for the route between the Drechtsteden and Rotterdam. It features much more space for bicycles—which can also be charged during the trip—a modern interior with all kinds of cutting-edge digital features, and wide gangways for quick boarding and disembarking.

To better serve Waterbus passengers, improvements are also being made to the schedule and destinations. For example, a new stop has been added near the Zalmhuis/Rivium, providing access by water to Capelle aan den IJssel and the surrounding area. This is partly in anticipation of the potential development of Feijenoord City. Work is also underway on a Rotterdam stop called “Op Zuid” right in front of Hotel New York. Finally, within the Drechtsteden region, a direct connection will be established between Zwijndrecht and Papendrecht.

We would very much like to extend our sincere compliments to all the crews, the technical department, and the office staff. We know very well what it takes to keep all the ships running from early in the morning until late at night—on time, clean, hospitable, and above all, safe. That’s exactly what our passengers have come to expect from us, but it’s certainly no easy task to do it day in and day out.

Finally, we would like to thank the funding agencies that make public water transportation possible: the Province of South Holland and the Drechtsteden Region. This is a very important step toward offering water buses as a transportation alternative alongside buses, trains, and trams—something that has been in the works for so long. It demonstrates not only a long-term vision but also courage and perseverance.

In the coming period, we will do everything we can to build an even more ambitious and sustainable transportation system on the solid foundation of the Waterbus. It certainly won’t go off without a hitch from day one, but rest assured that we will do everything we can to help our passengers experience the Art of Travel. Aboard the Waterbus. To your destination…