Secondary schools will start again this week, so that a lot of cyclists have to cross the canal every day. The second ferry is still out. To cope with the crowds, the available space on the current ferry will be increased and the GVB will deploy extra staff.
The second ferry between Velsen-Zuid and -Noord has long been a headache for the municipality. Until last July 14, two ferries were still sailing. But that is no longer possible, according to transporter GVB from Amsterdam, owner of the ferry. The ferry arsenal is not big enough.
There are five: one in Buitenhuizen, one in Zaandam and one in Velsen. A fourth is in reserve, but has to be used often and number five (always a different one) is out of the running for major maintenance.
For cyclists, a second ferry for the short or long term is hardly in sight. It will take at least another year and a half before Velsen can possibly smash a champagne bottle against a brand new ferry. If that is going to happen at all, because the municipality, province, national government and the GVB have not yet fully decided who exactly has to pay what part.
Dates
Now that schools are starting again, tempers are running high, because how will things go in the near future now that there is a significant influx of cyclists again? In recent weeks, feverish consultations have been held and the municipality of Velsen has been able to make provisional agreements with the GVB.
To allow more cyclists to fit on the ferry and to make boarding go more smoothly, the bicycle places on the ferry are extended as much as possible to create more space. In addition, extra staff will be deployed by the GVB for the next three weeks to ensure that people and bicycles can easily board.
Supervisors from the municipality of Velsen are also present, especially during the morning rush hour, to better coordinate getting on and off and loading bicycles and cars. According to the GVB, cyclists will also be given priority over cars.
Perspective
The municipality of Velsen indicates that it will continue to look for feasible alternatives and that it is open to solutions from the market. They will evaluate the current situation with the GVB on a weekly basis.
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The cyclists’ union is also not happy and has hung a protest banner above the viaduct on Pontplein. In this they call for a second ferry to sail quickly. “Not only for the students, but also for other cyclists,” said a spokesperson.