The ferries across the Bergsche Maas are no longer free. Hans Tanis, councilor of the municipality of Altena, made the first paid crossing over the Bergsche Maas on Monday morning with the Drongelense ferry. “Paying a ticket for the ferry is unavoidable. It is a decision that is supported by all four municipalities involved,” said Tanis.
“It sucks,” says one of the drivers as he rolls down the window of his car. “I have to take the ferry every day, otherwise I have to take a long detour via Heusden. Even though I have to pay, this is still the cheapest.” A fellow driver, who also takes the ferry every day, is less angry. “When the Bergsche Maas was built, they promised that it would always be free. I now have a subscription and then it is cheaper. Moreover, I try to cycle as much as possible.”
Free for 120 years
The crossings with the three ferries (Bern-Herpt, Waalwijk-Drongelen and Sprang-Capelle-Dussen) have been free for everyone for the past 120 years. But the need to charge motor vehicles for the crossing has existed for a long time. The measure is necessary because the Bergsche Maasveren foundation suffers losses of more than 700,000 euros annually.
When the ferry services were transferred from Rijkswaterstaat to the riverside municipalities of Altena, Heusden, Waalwijk and Zaltbommel in 2008, it was expected that a one-off contribution of 22.6 million euros would be sufficient to cover the costs for thirty years. But falling interest rates have significantly reduced the foundation’s equity, leading to the introduction of tariffs. According to Mathé Holleman, chairman of the foundation’s board, paying for the ferries is essential for continuity. “This step ensures that the future of ferry services is guaranteed.”
prices
Not everyone has to pay. Pedestrians, cyclists, scooters, mopeds or quads can still cross for free. Horses and agricultural vehicles also do not have to pay. Drivers of cars and motorcycles will pay 2.70 euros per crossing. Drivers of vans and commercial vehicles pay 3.50 euros and a larger truck has to pay 11 euros. So anyone who has to take the ferry back and forth to work every day will notice this in their wallet.
Discount card
Altena is the only one that has decided that its residents can receive a discount. Residents of Altena can opt for special subscriptions thanks to an additional financial contribution from the municipality. Residents of Heusden, Waalwijk and Zaltbommel pay the full price. However, it is possible for every user to purchase a discount card up to a quarter of the price.
A man on a mobility scooter is lucky, he doesn’t have to pay. Nevertheless, he is not happy about the introduction of paid ferry crossings. “The people around here had to work very hard to dig out the Bergsche Maas at the time. And then they promised that it would remain free forever,” he shouts, raising his voice slightly.
One of the special supervisors who have to reassure travelers on the ferry on Monday tries to calm the angry man. “If you live in Altena, you can take out a subscription and go back and forth as often as you want for 100 euros,” he explains patiently. Until the attendant finds out that the man on his mobility scooter can simply cross the street for free. But if he shares that conclusion, the angry man continues to grumble loudly. It clearly takes some getting used to for everyone.