GVB doubles Pontsteiger to NDSM ferry service from 1 September

GVB is expanding its ferry timetable across the IJ from Monday 1 September, with the busiest change on the route between Pontsteiger and the NDSM wharf. On weekdays during the day, that crossing will run every 10 minutes instead of every 20, doubling the number of sailings.

The transport company says the expansion is needed to keep up with Amsterdam’s growing population, with more passengers using the ferries every year.

Later evenings on two routes

The ferry between Pontsteiger and Distelweg will also run half an hour longer in the evening, with the last departure at 23.15 under the new timetable.

On the eastern side of the city, the Oostveer between Azartplein and Zamenhofstraat steps up to a crossing every quarter of an hour on weekdays between 07.00 and 20.00, instead of every 20 minutes. That route also gains roughly 50 extra minutes in the evening, with a final departure at 23.20.

The Oostveer sails on the spot where the planned Oostbrug bridge is eventually meant to be built.

A smaller boat, sailing more often

The expansion requires an extra vessel. On the Oostveer route, GVB is deploying an older and smaller ferry with a ramp on one side only, which means the boat has to turn around at every landing.

Because it carries far fewer passengers, it will sail more frequently to compensate.

GVB is coping with a significant shortage of skippers, but says this expansion can be covered with hired staff.

Next year the company wants to add yet another ferry: the IJtunnel closes for major maintenance from July 2027 for more than a year, with serious consequences for reaching Noord, and the ferries are an important alternative for cyclists and pedestrians.

Fewer ferries this weekend first

Before the expanded timetable begins, this weekend brings the opposite: because of the skipper shortage, GVB is running fewer ferries on several routes on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August. The crossings keep sailing, but passengers should expect longer waits and busier boats.

Source: parool.nl