In the Dutch west, to be exact in the surroundings of Rotterdam called the Rotterdam-Drechtsteden, the people have developed an interesting, peculiar way of transport. They call it the waterbus (water bus). It is, as its name suggests, a bus on the water. It is much like a regular ferry. The waterbus uses the OV-chipkaart, so you can just check in and check out like with traveling by train or bus. Other than the water taxi, the waterbus is a way of public transport like any other. And you can even take your bike! That is very cool, I think. Cars have to use the closest bridge, because the waterbus does not allow for cars to be transported. In the Rotterdam-Drechtsteden area, 15 waterbussen are used at the moment. The company responsible for these now is Aquabus.
The waterbus in the Rotterdam-Drechtsteden area in the province Zuid-Holland.
Normally, transport across waters is managed with bridges. However, no bridge was used here. This can be explained by the many places that are reached in this area, like Sliedrecht, Papendrecht, Dordrecht and Rotterdam, which would require a large amount of bridges. Another factor is the importance of the waterways for shipping to the docks of Europoort, the gigantic haven of Rotterdam, one of the largest in the world. Bridges would only hold up and complicate that business. Waterbussen are flexible, quick, and an easy solution to keep the cities connected. It is a great experience, especially with nice weather! Who does not want to surf on the water like that?
Below my little story of my trip with the waterbus. In Dutch. Try to read it!
The Waterbus in Papendrecht!
Een paar weken geleden ging ik naar Papendrecht. Omdat ik geen auto heb, en omdat ik van treinreizen houd, ging ik met de trein naar Dordrecht. Helaas rijdt er geen trein helemaal naar Papendrecht! Dus stapte ik in Dordrecht uit. Vanaf het station liep ik door het mooie, oude stadscentrum van Dordrecht tot aan de Merwekade aan de rivier de Oude Maas. Vanaf daar kon ik niet verder. Er was geen brug! Dus moest ik met de waterbus. Ik was precies op tijd: de waterbus stond er al. Hij vaart elk kwartier. Op de boot kon ik genieten van het prachtige uitzicht op de oude steden, het water, de wind en de warme zon. En plotseling, nog geen vijf minuten later, was ik al in Papendrecht. De waterbus is echt snel!
Questions for you:
– Why did I not drive to Papendrecht?
– Where did I get off the train?
– Did I have to wait for the waterbus to come?
– How often does the waterbus go every hour?
– What did I enjoy on the boat?
The Waterbus from the inside.
